Last update:
24-May-2026

OBJECTIVE To explore the role of sociological factors in patients' quality of life and healthcare evaluation.

METHOD A written survey was used as the research tool, consisting of 24 questions for patients and five questions on medical data completed by oncologists. The research was conducted in oncology departments in Split, Dubrovnik, and Zadar. The sample included 191 patients undergoing active treatment, most of whom were retired and from working-class backgrounds.

RESULTS The majority of patients were diagnosed with breast, gastrointestinal and lung cancer (70.8%), often in advanced stages. Chemotherapy was the predominant treatment modality (56.0%). The most frequently reported feelings after diagnosis were surprise (53.4%), shock (50.3%), stress (46.0%) and fear (45.5%). Emotional support was mainly provided by spouses (35.1%) and children (24.1%). Notably, 71.2% of patients did not seek help from mental health professionals. Most patients reported spending their leisure time reading or watching television (80.1%) and walking (76.9%), while participation in other physical activities was limited. In terms of socio-economic indicators, the majority reported an average material status (84.7%) and perceived their quality of life as normal (82.2%). Most lived in their own home (81.7%), had children (83.8%) and reported a stable family structure (62.8%).

CONCLUSIONS This study provided valuable insights into the broader context of cancer care, highlighting the significant influence of social and emotional factors on patient well-being. It underscored the need to strengthen support systems and develop more tailored interventions that address not only the medical but also the psychosocial and economic dimensions of living with cancer.

Key words: Cancer care, Healthcare perception, Oncology patients, Quality of life, Sociodemographic factors.