Psychosocial distress and the quality of life of cancer patients in two health facilities in Cameroon

BACKGROUND: Psychosocial distress interferes with the ability to cope effectively with cancer, its physical symptoms and treatment. This in turn leads to poor outcomes in patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the level of psychosocial distress, emotional distress and the quality of life of cancer patients in two health facilities in Cameroon. METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional hospital-based design. The study was carried out over a period of three months from July–September 2020. The sample size was 120 cancer patients. A consecutive sampling technique was used to select participants. Three validated questionnaires were used: DT, HADS and EORTC QLQ-C30 to assess, psychosocial distress, emotional distress and quality of life respectively. Results were presented using descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean) and inferential statistics (Chi square, Pearson’s correlation, ANOVA). Data were analysed with SPSS version 21. All statistics were considered significant at an alpha value set at 0.05 level. RESULTS: The majority of patients 83 (69.2%) presented with clinically significant distress, with financial difficulties 87 (72.5%), fatigue 83 (69.2%), transportation 73 (60.8%) and difficulties with work/school 69(57.5%) being the most reported problems. Fifty nine (50.0%) and 56(47.5%) had moderate to severe anxiety and depression symptoms respectively. Overall on HADS, 67 patients (56.8%) presented with emotional distress. The quality of life was fair, with a mean of 52.4 ± 21.3.There was a statistically significant negative relationship (P < 0.0001), between psychosocial distress and quality of life of patients. CONCLUSION: Cancer patients suffer from psychosocial distress, which has a negative relationship on their quality of life. It is important that healthcare professionals working in these settings, assess psychosocial distress early in patients with cancer to improve the quality of care and enhance quality of life. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-022-00981-w.