The Influence of Perceived Stigma and Loneliness on Health-Related Quality of Life for Patients with Cancer in Oman

Introduction and Background: Cancer is a major challenge that influences all aspects of the patient's life. The total number of cases in Oman in 2016 was 2,015, including 1,859 adults with cancer and the total number of cases over the last five years was 8,526. Patients with cancer experience difficult situations related to cancer treatment and hospitalization. Health-Related Quality of life (HRQOL) is one of the most critical factors in determining patient outcomes such as survival and cancer prognosis. HRQOL is a multidimensional construct that addresses the effect of a disease and its treatment on physical, emotional, and social well-being. Previous studies on patients with cancer have identified different factors that influence their HRQOL. These factors include but are not limited to demographic, medical, social, psychological factors variables, including perceived stigmatization. Health-related stigmatization is defined as a situation in which negative evaluation by the community characterizes a person as a result of a disease or a condition. Social isolation and loneliness were found to be associated with adverse health indicators, including HRQOL. In investigating the current literature, no research has been conducted on cancer stigma and how it relates to HRQOL among Arab patients with cancer, including Omani patients. Therefore, it is essential to understand perceived stigmatization among patients with cancer and its relationship with HRQOL. Purpose: The purpose of this proposed study is to investigate the influence of perceived stigmatization and loneliness on HRQOL for Omani patients with cancer Method: A cross-sectional correlational study will be used to study the relationship between perceived stigmatization and its influence on HRQOL among Omani patients with cancer. A convenient sample of 200 patients will be recruited from two hospitals: Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and Royal Hospital. Clinical Implications: Understanding the dimensions of HRQOL is critical in identifying needs, developing interventions, and evaluating the effects of interventions. Healthcare providers including nurses who understand barriers to a positive HRQOL post-cancer can help in identifying interventions needed to improve patients' needs.