Quality of Life and Associated Factors among Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand.

The dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly changed since its initial outbreak. This study aimed to investigate the quality of life (QoL) of patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy in the specific context of Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 415 patients with cancer. Instruments used were a demographic and clinical characteristics form, the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (cancer symptom burden), Strategies Used by People to Promote Health (self-care self-efficacy), and a Thai version of the Brief Form of the WHO Quality of Life Assessment. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The participants had an average age of 56 years. They reported a moderate level of QoL across all domains and for the overall QoL during the pandemic. The results of the multiple linear regression model indicated that positive self-care self-efficacy, being married, having health insurance, stage of chemotherapy, and reduced cancer symptom burden were significant predictors of overall QoL (adjusted R2 = 0.4940). Positive self-care self-efficacy also emerged as a primary predictor, positively influencing all QoL domains and overall QoL (p < 0.001). These findings emphasize the significance of self-care self-efficacy in enhancing the QoL of patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy during the pandemic. Integrating interventions to bolster self-care self-efficacy into the care plans for these patients can help them manage their symptoms, cope with the side effects of cancer treatment, and enhance their overall well-being.

Prevalence and Risk Assessment of Cervical Cancer Screening by Papanicolaou Smear and Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid for Pregnant Women at a Thai Provincial Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the second most common in Thailand, but the mortality rate may be rising yearly. It is a cancer that can be prevented by early screening for precancerous lesions, several methods being available. OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) smears and lesions with visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) in pregnant women and assess risk factors for this group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was performed at Prapokklao Hospital, Thailand during April-July 2016. All pregnant women of gestational age between 12-36 weeks who attended an antenatal clinic were recruited. All participants were screened for cervical cancer by Pap smear and VIA. If results of one or both were abnormal, colposcopic examination was evaluated by gynecologic oncologist. RESULTS: A total of 414 pregnant women were recruited. Prevalence of abnormal Pap smear and VIA were 6.0 and 6.7 percent, respectively. The most common abnormal Pap smear was low grade intraepithelial lesion (LSIL, 44%). Factors associated with abnormal Pap smear in pregnant women were low BMI, multiple partners and being a government officer. In pregnancy, Pap smear had higher sensitivity and specificity than VIA for detection of precancerous cervical lesion. Patients with young coitarche or more than 25 years of active sexual activity were high risk groups. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of abnormal Pap smear and VIA in pregnant women was 6.0 and 6.7 percent, respectively. Factors associated with abnormal Pap smear were coitarche, years of sexual activity, low BMI, multiple partners and being a government officer.