absence of disease or infirmity” [43]. In other words, health not only refers to the absence of physical problems,
but also includes psychological and social well-being. QOL refers to “an individual’s perception on his/her life
in the context of the culture and value system in which they live, and in relation to their goals, expectations,
standards and concerns” [44]. It is a wide-ranging concept affected in a complex ways by the person’s physical
health, psychological state, level of independence, social relationships, personal beliefs, and their relationships
to salient features of their environment [44]. Practically, QOL is often measured in terms of health and the term
“HRQOL” is defined as “optimum levels of mental, physical, role and social functioning, including relationships,
and perceptions of health, fitness, life satisfaction and well-being” [45]. Sometimes, it may include some assessments
of the patient’s level of satisfaction with their treatment, health status, and future prospects [45].
While many domains of HRQOL have been identified, its core dimensions generally include physical functioning,
social functioning, role functioning, mental health, and general health perceptions.