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Abstract

In Jordan, little is known about cancer-related symptoms prevalence, severity, and its impacts on patients’ quality of life. Therefore, this study was conducted to estimate cancer-related symptoms prevalence, severity, and predictors of quality of life of cancer patients in Jordan. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. The sample consisted of 498 Jordanian cancer patients. There were slightly more males (51.6%) and a mean age of 44.3 (SD = 15.3) years. The mean of the number of symptoms reported by patients was 11 (SD = 3.3). The most prevalent symptoms were fatigue (92.5%), feeling drowsy (87.1%), lack of appetite (86.3%), being distressed (86.1%), and pain (85.5%). Furthermore, Jordanian cancer patients had low mean total scores for quality of life at a level of 18.5 (SD = 4.9). A comprehensive palliative care program is recommended, led by a representative from the Ministry of Health, to integrate palliative care within the current health care system in Jordan.

Keywords

symptoms management prevalence Jordan cancer quality of life adult palliative care

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Prevalence of Symptoms and Quality of Life Among Jordanian Cancer Patients

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