Insight into quality of life among Palestinian adolescents with cancer: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background:

Adolescents with cancer experience substantial challenges that compromise quality of life (QoL). Evidence on QoL in conflict-affected settings, such as Palestine, remains extremely limited.

Objective:

To examine QoL among adolescents with cancer in Palestine and identify predictors to improved or compromised QoL.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted (March to May 2024) at a Palestinian tertiary paediatric oncology centre using consecutive sampling. QoL was assessed using a validated Arabic-translated scale (Cronbach’s α = 0.88). Multiple linear regression identified predictors. This study was reported in accordance with STROBE guidelines.

Results:

Among 145 participants (mean age 14.3 ± 1.4 years; 42.8% female), mean QoL was 103.1 ± 26.9, indicating a moderate level. Female gender was associated with lower QoL (B = −13.287, p = 0.002). Multimodal treatment was associated with higher QoL than chemotherapy alone (B = 36.111, p = 0.001), though this likely reflects clinical trajectory, not direct benefit.

Conclusion:

Female adolescents with cancer in Palestine report significantly lower QoL, whereas those receiving multimodal treatment report higher QoL, though this likely reflects clinical trajectory. For nursing practice, these findings underscore the need for routine QoL monitoring, particularly among female patients, and gender-responsive psychosocial support as integral to paediatric oncology nursing care. These findings contribute Palestine-specific evidence to the global literature.