Evaluation of the Satisfaction, Quality of Life and Anxiety Among Cancer Patients and Patient Relatives in the Radiotherapy Unit During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Abstract

Objective: It was aimed to investigate the psychological effects of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on cancer patients receiving radiotherapy and their relatives, as well as their satisfaction level and the effects of the pandemic on patients' quality of life. Material and Methods: 118 cancer patients who applied to our clinic between November 2021-February 2022 and 111 patients relatives were included in the study. The Short Form-36 Quality of Life Scale was only applied to patients, whereas the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and COVID-19 Knowledge and Satisfaction survey were applied to both patients and their relatives. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between gender and anxiety and depression in females (p=0.009). While there was a significant difference between social functioning and age (p=0.042), no significant difference was found in other parameters. Comparison of anxiety levels among patient and patient relatives demonstrated that anxiety levels were significantly higher among patient relatives (p=0.044). Comparison of the quality of life among gender groups demonstrated that physical function was significantly higher among males compared to females (p=0.043). Comparison of the quality of life among different cancer types demonstrated that physical function was lower in the breast and gynecology cancer group than in the genito-urinary cancer group (p=0.020). Conclusion: It was determined that female gender was more inclined toward anxiety, social functioning was better in the old age group, patient relatives exhibited higher anxiety levels than patients, and physical function scores were higher in men than in women.