Study on knowledge of chemotherapy's adverse effects and their self-care ability to manage - The cancer survivors impact

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. Adverse effects of chemotherapy affect physiological and psychological aspects of human life. Self-care practice to manage side effects can improve the quality of life. Aims: The study investigates the relationship between knowledge on the adverse effects of chemotherapy and self-care ability to manage chemotherapy survivors' side effects. Subjects and methods: This was a single centre, Cross-sectional, descriptive study. A face-to-face interview guided by a structured questionnaire was conducted among 100 cancer patients admitted at the daycare centre to receive repeated chemotherapy cycles. Information gathered included knowledge on chemotherapy and its adverse effects and self-care ability to manage them. Results: Results indicated 58% had an above-average level of experience on chemotherapy and side effects,16.42 ± 3.56 Vs 8.52 ± 3.37.To overcome hair loss, 77% of patients preferred to use a wig/scarf to cover the head. To reduce nausea and vomiting symptoms, 48% chose to consume less food. Knowledge on side effects of chemotherapy moderate positively related to self-care practices with (r = 0.55,p = 0.001 level), which shows a significant raise on knowledge level will improve their self-care practices. Knowledge of the adverse effects of chemotherapy was not associated with the demographic variables of study participants. Conclusion: Study concluded that it was essential to enhance awareness and overcome adverse chemotherapy effects via counselling services using current modalities for better self-care practices.

Keywords

• Chemotherapy
• Adverse effects
• Self-care ability
• Cancer survivors