Evaluating health-related quality of life in gastric cancer patients in Suzhou, China

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has become an important part of the evaluation of clinical efficacy and prognosis in gastric cancer. This study aimed to assess the HRQOL of patients with gastric cancer using the a five-level EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) and explore the factors influencing patients' perceived quality of life. For those significant factors, we can take appropriate measures to intervene to extend patient survival and improve the quality of life. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was administered to 243 patients with gastric cancer in the First Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University from December 2018 to December 2020. HRQOL was measured by the Chinese version of the EQ-5D-5L. Nonparametric test analyses and a Tobit regression model were used to identify the independent variables associated with the EQ-5D-5L utility scores. Results: In this research, the mean score was 0.810, and the median was 0.893. Approximately 25% of patients reported no problems at all in any of the five dimensions. Problems in pain and discomfort were the most frequently reported (64.2%). Nonparametric test analyses showed that patients who did not have health insurance, or who had a history of alcohol use, a family history of cancer, had received surgery only, or had an interval of less than 1 week between taking this survey and their last treatment, demonstrated lower EQ-5D-5L scores. The Tobit regression model confirmed that health insurance, family history, and treatment were significantly associated with EQ-5D-5L scores. Conclusions: The HRQOL of gastric cancer patients can be measured by EQ-5D-5L, and the results may provide a guide for choosing an appropriate individualized treatment plan.