THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF WOMEN WITH OVARIAN CANCER (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE ABAY REGION, KAZAKHSTAN)

Abstract

Relevance: This study analyzes the health status of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, with a particular focus on identifying factors that influence their quality of life and evaluating their access to healthcare services and the level of disease-related awareness. Ovarian cancer remains one of the most prevalent oncological conditions affecting women, and its frequent late-stage diagnosis significantly contributes to poor prognostic outcomes. It is important to understand how different aspects of a patient’s life affect their emotional and physical well-being. 

The study aimed to investigate the impact of socio-economic and psychological factors on the quality of life of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the Abay Region, and to evaluate the existing relationships between factors within the framework of a multicenter study. 

Methods: The study included 35 women with a verified ovarian cancer. Data was collected using a questionnaire comprising items related to travel time to healthcare facilities, educational attainment, marital status, financial circumstances, caregiving responsibilities, and the range of symptoms experienced by participants. Both quantitative and qualitative analytical methods were applied to interpret the collected data. 

Results: A total of 68.6% of participants reported a travel time of 30 to 60 minutes to reach a healthcare facility, a factor that may negatively influence their overall well-being. Regarding educational attainment, 54.3% of the women had completed secondary vocational education. Similarly, 54.3% of respondents were married, suggesting the presence of a potential source of social support. In terms of economic status, 48.6% rated their income as average, which may have implications for their ability to access timely and comprehensive treatment. Additionally, 68.6% of participants reported having no caregiving responsibilities, potentially reducing their emotional burden. The most frequently reported symptoms were general weakness (48.6%) and abdominal enlargement (57.1%). Notably, the majority of respondents (42.9%) sought care from gynecologic oncologists. 

Conclusion: The study found that socio-economic factors such as education level and financial status have a significant impact on the quality of life of women with ovarian cancer. A considerable proportion of participants reported reasonable travel times to healthcare facilities and access to medical specialists, underscoring the critical role of timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment in managing the disease. However, there is a need to increase awareness of the disease and access to psychological support.