Assessment of Physical Quality of Life Domain of Adolescents with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia at Teaching Hospitals in Baghdad City

Abstract

Objective(s): To assess the physical quality of life's domain of adolescents with acute lymphocytic leukemia at teaching hospitals in Baghdad city and find out the relationships between the physical quality of life domain of adolescents with acute lymphocytic leukemia and their demographic characteristics.

Methodology: The study started from the period of 20th November 2011 to 2nd July 2012. A non- probability (purposive) sample of 50 patients was selected from adolescents with ALL. The questionnaire was designed and composed of two parts: the first part includes three sections deal with the adolescent demographic data, disease related information and socio-economic status scale, second include physical quality of life domain. And determined reliability of the questionnaire through a pilot study and determined validity through a panel of (22) experts. The data was collected through questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The data were described statistically and analyzed through use of the descriptive and inferential statistical analysis procedures.

Result: The findings of the present study indicate that (58%) were male, (56%) of the total sample are within the age groups (15-19) years, and (49%) of ALL adolescents were from family of low level of socioeconomic status. While physical domain of the quality of life for these adolescents affected at moderate level.

Conclusion: The study concludes that the acute lymphocytic leukemia most occurs in male than in females. Acute lymphocytic leukemia most common occurs among adolescents in urban residential area. Also the study confirmed that the acute lymphocytic leukemia affects negatively on the physical QoL domain of adolescent.

Recommendation: The study recommended the establishment of hematology and oncology center, an education program for adolescents with ALL started to help them live a better life