Quality of Life of Emirati Women with Cervical Cancer Using EORTC QLQ-30 and CX24: A First Look in the UAE

Linda Smail ()
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Linda Smail: College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Zayed University, Dubai 19282, United Arab Emirates

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 5, 1-22

Abstract: Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women globally and remains a prevalent malignancy among Emirati women. This study assessed the quality of life of Emirati women with cervical cancer and identified key factors influencing their well-being to inform targeted interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 72 Emirati women diagnosed with cervical cancer utilizing the Arabic-translated European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CX24). Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, independent-sample t -tests, and, where assumptions were violated, Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests. Results: The mean global health status/QoL score was 64.4 (SD ± 20.4), indicating moderate well-being. The cognitive (69.9 ± 23.5) and role functioning (65.1 ± 25.0) scores were relatively high, whereas the social functioning score was lower (61.8 ± 25.2). Fatigue (41.5 ± 27.5), sleep disturbance (40.7 ± 31.3), and pain (39.4 ± 27.6) were the most prevalent symptoms. Radiotherapy negatively impacted sexual enjoyment ( p = 0.019), whereas lower income and metastases were associated with worse symptom burden. Higher education, employment, and physical activity correlated positively with functional well-being. Conclusions: Early-stage diagnosis, financial stability, and physical activity were key predictors of better QoL. Addressing financial disparities, managing symptoms, and improving survivorship care are essential.

Keywords: cervical cancer; Emirati women; quality of life; health care policy; EORTC QLQ-CX24; EORTC QLQ-30 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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