OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the quality of life (QL) of elderly patients submitted to antineoplastic chemotherapy and its associations with socioeconomic factors, level of dependence, and clinical data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 elderly patients attending an outpatient clinic at a oncology reference hospital in Pará State, Brazil. QL was evaluated by the EORTC QLQ-C30 v3 instrument, consisting of 30 questions covering 15 domains, divided into three distinct scales: global health status scale and QL; functional scale; and scale of symptoms. The dependency level was evaluated by the Lawton and Brody Scale, which allows the analysis of the individual’s ability to perform the instrumental activities of daily living, such as using the telephone, administering money, shopping, preparing meals, and traveling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and ANOVA.

RESULTS:

A median QL was demonstrated. The global and functional health scales presented median results, while the symptom scale showed better QL in its domains. A significant relation was identified between the QL of elderly and the level of dependence. The most affected domains were financial difficulty, fatigue, performance, and social function.

CONCLUSION:

QL interference and the level of dependence of elderly are associated with the disease, its treatment, and morbidity conditions.