Physical Problems of Patients after Colorectal Cancer in Mosul Governorate

Abstract

Objective: Assessment the quality of life concerning physical problems for patient after colorectal cancer in Mosul Governorate.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design is employed through the present study of 1^st June 2011 to 15^th December 2011 in order to assess the quality of life concerning physical problems for patient after colorectal cancer in Mosul Governorate. A purposive (non probability) sample is selected for the study which includes (60) patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer were treated in Mosul Oncology and Nuclear Medicine hospital or the patients who visited the outpatient clinic in the same hospital for medical follow-up and further treatment. Data were gathered through the patients` interviewed. Assessment questionnaire consist of two parts contains demographic characteristic, the other part concerning of quality of life concerning physical problems after colorectal cancer. Reliability and validity of this tool is determined through application of a pilot study and panel of experts. Data were analyzed through the application of descriptive statistical (frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistical (mean of score). Content validity of the instrument was done through eliciting the opinions of a panel of (13) experts and reliability through a pilot study by using Internal consistency reliability is determined through the computation of the cronbach alpha correlation coefficient of the scale on data gathered from patients.

Results: The Overall results revealed that the quality of life related to physical problems for patients after colorectal cancer were acceptable. So, there is no significant correlation between the quality of life related to physical problems for these patients and some demographic characteristics such as gender, age, marital status and education level. The study concludes that colorectal cancer are most common in married than in unmarried, half patients age are between 40 and 60 years old, have a relatively low level of education, many are unemployed and they reside in the urban areas in Mosul.

Recommendations: The study recommended to preparation of an educational program for patients with colorectal cancer and to raise awareness and education among families of patients to provide a better life for their patients.