Abstract:
Purpose: To date, there are no studies on quality of life (QoL) and symptom prevalence reported by
pediatric oncology patients in Lebanon. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the QoL, symptom
prevalence and symptom management among a sample of pediatric oncology patients.
Methods: The study design was cross-sectional. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) cancer
module and the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale were administered in Arabic using face-to-face
interviews to a convenience sample of 85 pediatric cancer patients (7e18 years) at a tertiary hospital
in Lebanon.
Results: The mean age of the study group was 12.5 years with leukemia being the most common cancer
(43.5%). The lowest scores on the PedsQL subscales were in nausea (score ¼ 64.82; SD ¼ 25.76) and worry
(score ¼ 68.14; SD ¼ 30.07), thus indicating more problems in these areas. A comparison based on age
showed significant differences in pain and hurt, nausea, and worry. In children (7e12 years), lack of
appetite, pain, and nausea were mostly prevalent whereas adolescents (13e18 years) experienced lack of
energy, irritability, and pain. In both age groups, pain and nausea were the most frequently treated
symptoms.
Conclusion: Overall, the participants had good health-related QoL as indicated by most of the PedsQL
subscales. Symptom management was found to be inadequate and in some cases ineffective. More
attention should be given to the management of symptoms in general using pharmacological and nonpharmacological
techniques. Of particular importance is the importance of providing psychological
support to alleviate symptom burden and improve QoL.
