Knowledge on Management of Chemotherapy Related Side-effects Among Cancer Patients

Abstract

Abstract:Introduction: Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells. It can affect almost any part of the body. The growths often invade surrounding tissue and can metastasize to distant sites. Cancer is a leading cause of disease worldwide. Objectives:To identify knowledge on management of chemotherapy related side-effects among cancer patients. Methodology:Methodology of the present study included a descriptive cross-sectional hospital based study. Seventy four cancer patients under chemotherapy treatment from Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital were selected using non-probability purposive sampling technique. A preset of questionnaire was used to identify knowledge on management of chemotherapy related side-effects among cancer patients.Results: 54.9% of cancer patients knew that drinking too much liquid during the day removes the harmful agents from the body. 28.4% of the respondents ate high fiber foods with adequate fluid to manage constipation, 45.9% respondents perfumed oral care and gargle 3-4 times daily for management of stomatitis and mucositis, 67.6% of respondents took anti-emetic medication before meals for management nausea and vomiting ,40.5% of responded drank more fluid than usually with ORS for management of diarrhoea, 43.2% respondent put on scarf and cap/wig for management of hair loss, 45.9% took small and frequent diet for management of loss of appetites, majority of respondents 62.2% maintain personal hygiene and change clothes everyday for management of skin rashes, majority of respondents 73% took paracetamol and apply cold compress for management of fever, 44.6%respondents drank plenty of water with vitamin C for management of burning micturition. Conclusion:In this study among 74 respondents 43(58.1%) of respondents had average knowledge, 29(39.2%) had poor knowledge, and 2(2.7%) had good knowledge on management of chemotherapy related side effects.

Knowledge On Management Of Side Effects Of Chemotherapy Among Cancer Patients In A Hospital Of Bhaktapur

“…n=104. In this study, less than half (38.5%) of the cancer patients had knowledge about management of hair fall by combing hair with soft brushes and cutting it short which is similar to the study conducted in Nepal where (43.2%) of the cancer patients knew about the management of hair fall and , nearly less than half (46.2%) of the cancer patients had knowledge about management of burning micturition by maintaining perineal hygiene and staying hydrated which is similar to the study conducted in Nepal where (44.6%) of the cancer patients knew about the management of burning micturition 9 . In this study, there was a significant association between respondents age group and level of knowledge since p value is 0.037 (<0.05).…”

“…This may be due to difference in sample size i.e. n=104 In this study, cent (100%) of the cancer patients knew the meaning of chemotherapy which is similar to the study done in Nepal where (98.6%) of the cancer patients knew the meaning of chemotherapy 9 . In the current study, less than half (34.6%) of the cancer patients had knowledge about the meaning of Premedications for chemotherapy which is similar to the study conducted in Sri-Lanka where (33.8%) of the cancer patients knew the meaning of pre-medications for chemotherapy 10 .…”

“…In the current study, less than half (34.6%) of the cancer patients had knowledge about the meaning of Premedications for chemotherapy which is similar to the study conducted in Sri-Lanka where (33.8%) of the cancer patients knew the meaning of pre-medications for chemotherapy 10 . Regarding knowledge on most common side effects majority (76.9%) had knowledge on fatigue which is contrast to the study conducted in Bhaktapur where (48.3%) had knowledge on fatigue 9 . Present study shows that ,majority (74%) of the cancer patients had knowledge on nausea and vomiting , majority (67.3%) had knowledge on loss of appetite, more than half (53.8%) had knowledge on mucositis, nearly less than half (44.2%) had knowledge on constipation which is similar to the study conducted in Nepal where (85.45%) had knowledge on nausea and vomiting, (72.72%) had knowledge on loss of appetite, (65.45%) had knowledge on mucositis and (52.72%) had knowledge on constipation 11 .…”

A Descriptive Study on Adverse Reactions of Chemotherapy and Assessment of Knowledge Score in Cancer Patients

“…In 2015, about 90.5 million people had cancer about 14.1 million new cases occur a year in the world, where 7.4 million (53%) in males and 6.7 million (47%) in females, giving a male: female ratio of 10:9, it causes about 8.8 million deaths 2 . Surgery, radiotherapy and drug therapy are the three main treatment options considered when a treatment plan is formulated for patients undergoing active management of their cancer 3 .…”