Determinants of quality of life among patients with breast cancer in Africa: a systematic review

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Published Jun 1, 2025
https://doi.org/10.62438/tunismed.v103i6.5515
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Vol. 103 No. 6 (2025): Tunis Med June 2025

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Hanane Lemmih
Functional Ecology and Environment Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University (USMBA)30050, Fez, Morocco
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3673-2590
Badre Bakzaza
Functional Ecology and Environment Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University (USMBA)30050, Fez, Morocco
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2245-8749
Saad Rachiq
Functional Ecology and Environment Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University (USMBA)30050, Fez, Morocco
Sidi Mohammed Raoui
Functional Ecology and Environment Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University (USMBA)30050, Fez, Laboratory of sciences, care and health techniques. Higher institute of nursing professions and health techniques of fez and its annexe, Meknes 50000, Morocco
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1137-8087

Abstract

Aim: To detect and describe determinants influencing the quality of life among patients with breast cancer across Africa.
Methods: Applying the PRISMA methodology, we searched the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from inception through January 2024 using the following search terms: breast cancer, quality of life, and Africa. The studies selected aimed to identify the factors that impact the quality of life of African women with breast cancer. The methodological rigour of each publication was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, which was adjusted for both cohort and cross-sectional study designs.
Results: 22 studies were included in this systematic review, consisting of 15 (68%) cross-sectional studies and 7 (32%) prospective studies. These studies investigated more than 34 different determinants influencing the quality of life among breast cancer. Comorbidities, chemotherapy, anxiety, and depression generally reported poorer quality of life initially, though it often showed improvement over time. Research findings varied regarding how age, marital status, income, and treatment types influence the quality-of-life outcomes among patients with breast cancer in Africa.
Conclusion: Breast cancer patients frequently experience a worse quality of life, particularly if they are receiving chemotherapy and have additional medical conditions. This situation highlights the importance of offering patients additional therapies to improve their overall quality of life, together with comprehensive psychological and social support.

Keywords:

Breast cancer, quality of life, determinants, HRQoL, Africa, systematic review

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