Quality of life assessment of breast cancer patients in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: To assess the quality of life (QOL) of females with breast cancer in Saudi Arabia and its association with patients' demographic, social, and clinical data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among breast cancer patients attending King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah. Participants were asked to complete a self-administered structured questionnaire. We utilized the validated Arabic version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL-C30 (EORTC-QOL-C30) and breast cancer module QLQ-BR23 (EORTC-QOL-BR-23). Data were analysed using SPSS; mean and standard deviation computed for continuous variables, and percentages for categorical variables. Student's t-test performed to compare mean scores for various groups. RESULTS: Eighty-eight women participated in the study. The participants had a mean global health score of 64.0, standard deviation (SD) = 27.7. Of the functional scales, role functioning scored the highest (mean 71.2, SD = 31), while social and emotional functioning scored the lowest, (mean 57 SD = 35.8) and (mean 59.5 SD = 32), respectively. On the symptom scales, the most troubling symptoms were fatigue and insomnia, (mean 48.86 SD = 29.4) and (mean = 48, SD = 35), respectively. On the disease-specific tool (QLQ-BR23), body image and future perspective scored the lowest with a mean of 60.2 SD = 35 and 42.0 SD = 39.6, respectively. The most distressing symptom was hair loss (mean 61.56 SD = 41). CONCLUSIONS: Our population showed an acceptable overall global health score. However, they scored low on the important functional and symptoms domains. This study implies that patient age, social, and physical factors were possible determinants of global health and QOL scores. The healthcare system of Saudi Arabia should, therefore, address all these different aspects of QOL of breast cancer survivors

Perspective of Saudi women in the Makkah region on breast cancer awareness

OBJECTIVE: To assess the perspective of Saudi women in the Makkah region on breast cancer awareness and early detection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mixed method study was conducted among 25-65 years old healthy Saudi females from Makkah region during the awareness campaign in October 2014. The participants were recruited by personal invitations at the women's places of work and social gatherings. The initial invitations were issued by either the research coordinator or the investigator. All women were asked to complete a short questionnaire on basic knowledge on breast cancer. This was followed by focus group discussions. All interviews were carried out by female breast cancer consultant oncologists. All discussion transcripts were summarized and categorized into main themes; data presented as frequencies and percentages. RESULTS: Forty Saudi females, aged 25-65 years, were included in the study. Nearly 38% of them had never attended any awareness campaign on breast cancer. Only 10% of the participants correctly answered all five basic questions on the risk and early detection of breast cancer; 63% of the women had never been taught breast self-examination. Participants' perception was discussed in five focus groups. Four themes were identified during the discussions: knowledge about breast cancer and screening; resources of breast cancer awareness; social support for access to awareness program; and beliefs on breast cancer and early detection. CONCLUSION: We recommend that strategies on breast cancer awareness in our population should focus on early detection by improving the knowledge and skills of women. These strategies should include programs widely accessible through primary health-care centers and other health-care institutions. In addition, we recommend that physicians and family members should be involved in these programs

The association between kinesiophobia and dynamic balance in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between Kinesiophobia and dynamic balance in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty subjects with PFPS [20 Low Kinesiophobia (LK), 20 High Kinesiophobia (HK)], and 20 pain-free subjects (control group) were enrolled in the study. All subjects performed a Y-balance test to measure the dynamic balance. Normalized reach distance and balance parameters were recorded. RESULTS: Our findings indicated that patients with PFPS who have a greater Kinesiophobia showed a poorer dynamic balance. In addition, the HK group showed a significantly lower mean reach distance score in the anterior, posterolateral, and posteromedial directions compared to LK and healthy groups. CONCLUSIONS: Addressing the psychological factors such as Kinesiophobia during examination and treatment of people with PFPS may be important to improve the dynamic balance