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Abstract
Objective: To describe the quality of life among patients after thyroid cancer surgery at the National Hospital of Endocrinology in 2024 and to examine demographic and clinical factors associated with postoperative quality of life.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 250 postoperative thyroid cancer patients. Quality of life was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the THYCA-QoL. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 with descriptive statistics and group comparisons.
Results: EORTC QLQ-C30 functional scores were high (physical functioning: 96.4; role functioning: 99.46; emotional functioning: 96.96), while symptom scores were generally low. The most prominent symptoms were insomnia (19.46) and fatigue (6.8). THYCA-QoL results indicated that the most affected domains were psychological (4.12), mouth/throat issues (4.12), and neuromuscular symptoms (3.50), whereas scar-related symptoms, itching, headache, cold intolerance, and sexual concerns showed minimal impact. Disease stage was significantly associated with quality of life (p = 0.007).
Conclusion: Overall quality of life after thyroid cancer surgery was good; however, patients continued to experience specific symptoms. Disease stage remains a key determinant of postoperative quality of life. Enhanced postoperative nursing care focusing on psychological support, voice rehabilitation, and management of throat–mouth symptoms is recommended.
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References
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