Quality of life and OHRQoL in head and neck cancer patients in Kerman, Iran

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer is one of the six most prevalent neoplasms worldwide. Regardless of tumor site, deterioration of basic functions affecting head and neck areas are perceived and affect patients' lives. The aim of this study was to evaluate quality of life (Short Form) and oral health related quality of life (OHIP-14) in patients with head and neck cancer. METHODS: This study was conducted on 42 patients being treated for head and neck cancer. Data collected from the survey included demographic (sex, age, and educational level), quality of life (QoL), and Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL), which were, respectively, measured by short form-36 and OHIP-14 questionnaire. Cancer measurements were collected from the patient’s hospital records. ANOVA and t-tests were used to determine the association between QoL scores and the variables. RESULTS: 83.3% of the participants were men and 16.7% were women. Their mean age was 59.39 ± 12.5 years. 33.3% of the participants had oral cancer. 54.8% of patients had stage III cancer. The mean score of OHIP-14 was 21.4 ± 10.11. There was a significant correlation between OHIP-14 and site of cancer, and dose of radiation (P = 0.02 and P = 0.009, respectively). The best score of SF-36 was in social function (55.11 ± 30.9) and the worst score of SF-36 was in vitality domain (29.76 ± 9.67). There was a significant correlation between physical function, vitality and social activity with OHIP-14 (P = 0.02, P = 0.011, P = 0.009, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The QoL scores in Kerman like the other studies were low. Head and neck cancer can have a negative impact on QoL. Further research is recommended.