This is a preprint: it has been shared publicly but has not yet been peer-reviewed.
Ebenezer Owiredu Nkansah, Rosina Enyonam Daitey
Research Square ·
DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-9986906/v1
Abstract
Background Liver cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Ghana. Beyond clinical outcomes, it significantly impairs patients' health-related quality of life. Comprehensive evidence on Health-related quality of life among liver cancer patients in Ghana is lacking. This study assessed health-related quality of life outcomes among persons living with liver cancer in selected teaching hospitals. Methods A cross-sectional, prevalence-based survey was conducted between April and July 2025. Data were collected from 121 liver cancer patients attending oncology clinics at Korle-Bu, Cape Coast, and Tamale Teaching Hospitals using structured questionnaires. Health-related quality of life was measured using the EQ-5D-5L instrument and the EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis) were applied. Results The mean age was 48.8 years (SD = 12.2), with the majority being male (56.2%). Anxiety/depression was the most prevalent impairment (97.5%), followed by pain/discomfort (83.5%), difficulties with usual activities (61.2%), mobility problems (65.3%), and self-care limitations (52.1%). The mean EQ-VAS score was 57.3 (SD = 18.7). Mean EQ-5D utility scores ranged from 0.48 among the youngest age group (18–29 years) to 0.62 among those aged 30–39 years. HRQoL deteriorated significantly with advancing cancer stage (Stage 1 median EQ-5D = 0.71; Stage 2 = 0.47; Stage 3 = 0.12; Kruskal-Wallis H = 41.3, p < 0.0001). Conclusion Liver cancer imposes a severe Health-related quality of life burden on patients in Ghana, particularly in psychological and pain domains. Health-related quality of life worsens markedly with advancing disease stage. There is an urgent need to integrate psychosocial support, pain management, and palliative care into standard oncology services, and to invest in early detection programmes to mitigate late-stage presentation.
How to cite
Nkansah, E. O., Daitey, R. E. (2026). Assessing Health Related Quality of Life Among Persons Living With Liver Cancer in Selected Ghanaian Teaching Hospitals. Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9986906/v1