Browsing by Author "Simulyamana Aspha"

Cervical cancer continues to pose a major public health burden, especially in low and middle in- come countries such as Zambia (WHO,2023). Despite improvements in early detection and treatment leading to increased survival rates (WHO, 2024), the social wellbeing of survivors remains an important area of concern. This study aimed to evaluate social wellbeing among cervical cancer survivors and determine its relationship with demographic factors, stage of cancer at diagnosis, and treatment modalities. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 83 cervical cancer survivors attending follow-up clinics at Cancer Diseases and University Teaching Hospitals in Lusaka. Data were collected using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) alongside the cervical cancer-specific module (QLQ-CX24). Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and regression analysis. Results showed overall mean score of social wellbeing of57.9 (SD ±28.1), which falls below the recommended EORTC QLQ-C30 cut-off point of 66.7, indicating that social wellbeing was generally poor among the study population. Significant associations were observed between social wellbeing and stage of cancer at diagnosis (p = 0.005), as well as treatment modality (p < 0.001). Respondents diagnosed at earlier stages and those who underwent surgery alone reported better social outcomes compared to those with advanced disease or those treated with chemoradiotherapy. Furthermore, socioeconomic factors such as low income, unemployment, and lower educational attainment were linked to poorer social wellbeing. These findings align with existing evidence showing that advanced disease stages and intensive treatments adversely affect social functioning due to ongoing physical and psychological challenges, although some studies suggest improvement over time as survivors adapt. In conclusion, social wellbeing among cervical cancer survivors was generally poor. There is a need to incorporate psychosocial support and social reintegration interventions into survivorship care to enhance overall quality of life.