Perceived determinants of health-related quality of life among cancer patients at KCH and QECH in Malawi, version 1.0
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Date
2022-08-05
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Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
Type of study: Qualitative study
Problem to be studied: Perceived determinants which could influence quality of life among
patients living with cancer at Kamuzu and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospitals. In Malawi, there is
lack of studies evaluating health-related quality of life themes among cancer patients which limit
the possibility of ascertaining type of physical, psychological and social problems experienced by
them and how to approach them.
Aim: To explore main determinants influencing health-related quality of life among cancer
patients at Kamuzu and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospitals in Malawi.
Objectives:
1. To explore individual level factors affecting health-related quality of life among cancer
patients at Kamuzu and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospitals in Malawi.
2. To explore system level factors affecting health-related quality of life among cancer
patients and hospital staff at Kamuzu and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospitals in Malawi.
Methods: A phenomenological qualitative study to measure the in-depth lived experiences for
patients, guardians and health workers at the oncology clinics by exploring their perception of
health-related quality of life themes and insights. The study will be conducted between May and
June 2022 at oncology units from Kamuzu and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospitals in Malawi.
Purposive sampling of the twenty-six participants in both study sites will be used. This sample size
will surpass the minimum requirement of at least 12 participants to achieve saturation for
qualitative studies Participants will be recruited in four categories based on the type of information
being investigated.
Ethics consideration: The permission to conduct the study will be sought from Kamuzu Central
Hospital (KCH) and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH). Ethics approval will be sought
from the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee. Data collection will
follow informed written consent to be obtained from participants before enrolment. Participants
names will be kept anonymous by disguising all identifying names of participants during analysis.
Expected findings: 1) Perceived individual level determinants of health-related quality of life
among cancer patients. 2) Perceived systemic level determinants of health-related quality of life
among cancer patients.
Dissemination of results: The findings of this study will be disseminated to the public through
COMREC, scientific conferences and via international peer-reviewed journals publication. The
results will also form part of the thesis for the principal investigator.
Description
Keywords
Determinants of quality of life among cancer patients