“QUALITATIVE STUDY TO ASSESS THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS AMONG CANCER PATIENTS AFTER HEMI MANDIBULECTOMY”

Abstract

Background: Cancer and its treatment profoundly affect multiple dimensions of an individual’s life, including physical, psychological, and social well being. Among oral cancer patients, those who undergo hemi mandibulectomy experience not only the physical consequences of surgery but also facial disfigurement, speech difficulties, and impaired mastication and deep psychological and social challenges. The alteration in facial appearance often leads to reduced self esteem, social withdrawal, stigmatization, reduced interpersonal relationships and community participation. Hence the present study was undertaken with as aim to assess the QOL and social implication among cancer patients after Hemi mandibulectomy. Methodology: Using descriptive research design, through purposive sampling technique, 30 cancer patient who underwent Hemi mandibulectomy and coming to OPDs for follow up were assessed through interview method, data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics for QOL and social implication using EORTC QOL C30 and shame and stigma tool tools.