Assessment of Patient Quality of Life Using the FLIE Score in Patients with Ovarian Cancer Who Received Chemotherapy with an Emetogenic Level of 5

Abstract

Background & Objective: Antiemetic that prevents nausea and vomiting for ovarian cancer patients during chemotherapy, have major effects on the quality of life and adherence to patients’ treatment. This study aims to study the effectiveness of antiemetic in improving ovarian cancer patient’s quality of life using Functional Living Index Emesis (FLIE) scale. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study, data collection by total sampling method from 31 patients who received chemotherapy with emetogenic level 5 and were given antiemetic as Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) in the obstetrics and gynecology ward and one daycare service room at tertiary referral hospital X in Padang city, West Sumatra Indonesia. FLIE score was measured at 3 different measurement times, before chemotherapy administration, acute phase, and delayed phase. Results: The FLIE score before chemotherapy administration was 6.94, acute phase 6.09, and delayed phase 4.88. The highest FLIE score is 7 which indicates no nausea or vomiting, while the lower FLIE score suggests the more severe nausea and vomiting experienced by the patient. Bivariate test with a Kruskal-Wallis in the acute phase obtained a value of P>0.05, implying there is no difference in the average FLIE score of patients in the acute phase and in the delayed phase obtained a value of p≤0.05 which means there is a difference in the average FLIE score in the delayed phase among patients based on the antiemetic given. Conclusion: The antiemetic given has not been effective in maintaining a good patient quality of life, especially in the delayed phase.