Quality of life and sociodemographic characteristics of patients with cancer in Turkey.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To determine whether a relationship exists between quality of life (QOL) and the sociodemographic characteristics of gender, age, marital status, educational level, occupation, and level of income in patients with cancer in Turkey. DESIGN Exploratory study using a convenience sample. SETTING Five hospitals in the capital city of Turkey. SAMPLE 620 patients with cancer (44 inpatients and 576 outpatients). METHODS The study was carried out using face-to-face interviews. A questionnaire was used as a tool for collecting data on the sociodemographic characteristics of patients, and the Rolls-Royce Quality-of-Life Scale was employed to measure QOL. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Gender, age, marital status, educational level, occupation, level of income, and QOL. FINDINGS Men, older adults, widowed spouses, patients with lower levels of education, housewives, and those with lower income had lower QOL scores. CONCLUSIONS Considering the results and giving the groups referred to in the study priority in the planning of patient care would be useful. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING In the field of nursing in Turkey, a limited number of studies have examined the relationship between the sociodemographic characteristics of patients with cancer and QOL. The results will help nurses assess patient needs and engage in nursing interventions that are appropriate to the needs.