Clinical and socioeconomic determinants of health-related quality of life among cancer patients in Southwestern Iran: a cross-sectional study

Cancer significantly affects multiple dimensions of patients’ well-being, making health-related quality of life (HRQoL) a key outcome in oncology. However, evidence on the clinical and socioeconomic determinants of HRQoL among cancer patients in Iran, particularly in southwestern regions, remains limited. This study aimed to assess HRQoL and to identify its clinical and socioeconomic determinants among cancer patients in southwestern Iran. This cross-sectional descriptive–analytical study was conducted in 2024 among cancer patients attending Shahid Jalil Hospital, Yasuj. A total of 166 eligible patients were recruited through consecutive sampling. HRQoL was assessed using the validated Persian version of the EORTC QLQ-C30. Sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment-related variables were collected through structured interviews and medical records. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 27. Median (IQR) values were reported for HRQoL domains. The Gamma regression model with log link was applied to identify predictors of overall HRQoL. Associations were expressed as Mean Ratios (MRs) with 95% confidence intervals. Participants had a mean age of 58.09 ± 16.08 years; 54.2% were male, and 58.5% had stage IV cancer. The lowest HRQoL scores were observed in cognitive functioning (median: 32.33), physical functioning (38), and role functioning (49), while social functioning showed higher scores (65.67). In multivariable analysis, stage IV cancer (MR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.14–0.80) and metastatic disease (MR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.17–0.77) were strongly associated with reduced HRQoL. Conversely, basic health insurance significantly improved HRQoL (MR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.06–4.36). Other demographic variables were not significant predictors. Disease severity and insurance coverage are major determinants of HRQoL among cancer patients in southwestern Iran. Enhancing early detection, strengthening financial protection, and integrating supportive and palliative care services may improve patient outcomes. Longitudinal studies are recommended to better elucidate HRQoL trajectories.