The relationships of unmet needs with quality of life and characteristics of Indonesian gynecologic cancer survivors

• Published in: Canadian oncology nursing journal Vol. 31; no. 3; pp. 298 - 305
• Main Authors: Afiyanti, Yati, Besral, Besral, Haryani, Haryani, Milanti, Ariesta, Nasution, Lina Anisa, Kemala Rita Wahidi, Dewi Gayatri
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Vancouver Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology 01.07.2021; Pappin Communications
• Subjects: Cervical cancer; Conflicts of interest; Education; Females; Gynecological cancer; Nursing schools; Oncology; Public health; Quality of life; Questionnaires; Sociodemographics; Womens health
• ISSN: 1181-912X; 2368-8076
• DOI: 10.5737/23688076313298305

Gynecologic cancer survivors' complex needs are too often overlooked. This study aimed to identify the associations between unmet needs and quality of life, and selected characteristics of Indonesian gynecologic cancer survivors. This study was a cross-sectional, correlation study. A total of 298 participants completed the Cancer Survivor Unmet Needs (CaSUN), EORTC QLQ-C30, and demographic and clinical-related questionnaires. A higher level of unmet needs was linked to lower perceived quality of life. Higher levels of unmet needs were associated with younger age, lower income, higher educational background, shorter time since diagnosis, more advanced cancer stage, and having combination therapies (p < 0.05). The most frequently reported unmet need of the Indonesian gynecologic cancer survivors was financial support (70.5%). The gynecologic cancer survivors who had completed primary treatment need continuous comprehensive cancer care to help them cope with the lingering or emerging problems related to cancer and its treatment.