Assessment of quality of life and psychologic aspects in patients with gestational trophoblastic disease.
OBJECTIVE
To assess quality of life (QoL) and psychological aspects in patients with gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD).


METHODS
This cross-sectional self-report study was conducted among 54 women. Validated question-naires assessed QoL (WHO-QOL-bref), symptoms of depression (Beck Depression Inventory [BDI]) and anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI]).


RESULTS
Most patients rated overall QoL as good (44.44%) and were satisfied with their health status (42.59%). Mean QoL domain score was lowest for psychologic health (53.86 +/- 21.46) and highest for social relationships (65.74 +/- 22.41). BDI mean was 15.81 +/- 11.15, indicating dysphoria. STAI means were 46 +/- 6.46 for trait-anxiety and 43.72 +/- 4.23 for state-anxiety, both evidencing medium-high anxiety. Among employed patients, environment domain mean was the highest (p = 0.024). Presence of children resulted in lowest means for physical health (p = 0.041) and environment (p= 0.045). Patients desiring children showed significantly higher means for physical health (p = 0.004), psychological health (p = 0.021) and environment (p = 0.003). Chemotherapy had no significant influence on QoL (p > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
This study evidenced psychological impact on GTD patients, suggesting specialized care centers should provide psychological interventions during treatment and follow-up of GTD patients, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach.
Trophoblastic Diseases Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
Erika Goulart Veloso
EG
Ferreira
Izildinha
I
Maestá
Odair Carlito
OC
Michelin
Regina Célia Callile
RC
de Paula
Marcos
M
Consonni
Marilza Vieira Cunha
MV
Rudge
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D031901:Gestational Trophoblastic Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D006828:Hydatidiform Mole / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D017533:Marital Status; D011247:Pregnancy; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires