EVALUATION OF QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH A FACIAL PROSTHESIS.

Song Shan HUI, Normastura AB RAHMAN, Rabihah ALAWI, Nor Aidaniza ABDUL MUTTLIB.

School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kampus Kesihatan, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

ABSTRACT     

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the quality of life of patients with facial prostheses after head and neck surgery. Materials and Methods: Sixty-four patients who had received an extraoral or facial prosthesis over the previous five years and had been using it for at least six months after the treatment were interviewed. A validated questionnaire, the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire version 4, (UoW- QOL v4), was used and the patients’ sociodemographic profiles were obtained. Data was analysed using SPSS ver. 22. Results: A total of 64 patients, with a mean age of 38.1 years, were included, 41 (64.1%) of whom were male and 23 (35.9%) were female. The most significant problems encountered by the patients were appearance (14.1%), mood (11%) and recreation (7.8%). The majority stated that their overall quality of life was ‘fair’ or ‘good’ (84.4%). Pain (90.6%), activity (87.5%), and appearance (78.1%) were the issues most frequently reported by patients. Conclusion: The quality-of-life scores, as assessed using the (UoW-QOL v4) scale, were fair or good in patients with facial prostheses. Pain, activity, and appearance were regarded as the most important issues affecting their quality of life.

Keywords: Evaluation, Head and neck cancer, Maxillofacial prosthesis, Quality of life, UoW- QOL v4.

Corresponding author: Dr. Nor Aidaniza binti Abdul Muttlib, Lecturer in the School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

T.: +609 7675840, E.: aidaniza@usm.my

Brunei Int Med J.2023;19:63-69