Objective:

To determine the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and associated factors of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) survivor patients.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study nested in a survival analysis dynamic cohort of OSCC patients cared for in nine cancer centers in the city of Medellin during the period 2000-2011. 95 survivors participated in this research. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected by clinical record and a survey. In addition, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) was used for the assessment of HRQoL. We did a descriptive analysis of the study variables and a bivariate analysis between the dimensions of the QLQ-C30 instrument and the different study variables. Finally, we performed a multivariate analysis to observe the most influent variables in the HRQoL in these patients (odds ratios [OR], and 95% confidence intervals [95% CI]).

Results:

The scales of quality of life, global health, and functional scales presented scores above 75%, which indicates a better situation in these aspects. The scores of the scales of symptoms and symptoms of disease and treatment did not exceed 25%. Statistically significant differences occurred between some functions and dimensions of the scale. In the analysis of HRQoL by logistic regression model, patients with financial difficulties (OR 22.93, 95% CI 5.11-102.84) had a greater negative impact on their HRQoL.

Conclusions:

In these patients, HRQoL in its different dimensions is affected by some sociodemographic and clinical variables.

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