Prevalence of disabilities and associated aspects in women with cervical cancer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

Background

Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer among women worldwide. Its incidence is considerably higher in low and middle-income countries.

Objective

To verify the prevalence of disability in women with cervical cancer (CC) using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) as a reference.

Method

This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted with women with CC under treatment at a referral hospital in Rio de Janeiro. The ICF Checklist and a specific Quality of Life Assessment Tool (FACT - Cx, Cervix Cancer) were applied.

Results

A total of 116 women were included in the study. Most of them were diagnosed at stage IB, and more than half of them received chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy. The highest prevalence of disability was found for deficiency of reproductive system structures (96.6%), followed by problems with energy and impulse functions (70.3%), emotional functions (70.7%) and limitation for load and transport objects (67.2%). The domain of emotional well-being was the most compromised in the analysis by FACT-Cx.

Conclusion

The prevalence of disability in women with CC was high for all ICF components, reflecting the impact of both the disease and its treatment on functionality. The biopsychosocial approach should be incorporated into cancer care planning routines for women with cervical cancer.

Keywords:
uterine cervical neoplasms; International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health; quality of life; cross-sectional studies