Date of Award
12-29-2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing (MScN)
First Supervisor/Advisor
Dr. Salma Rattani
Department
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan
Abstract
Background: Cancer has become the leading source of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Its prevalence is rising and high-risk behaviours are being adopted by the people in society. Knowledge about cancer and its management helps in adjusting the resource allocations and in terms of public health policy. Moreover, patient education about symptoms, treatment, and side effects is crucial and must be addressed.
Knowledge about cancer, its side effects, and the possible treatment outcomes is essential, as it helps in deciding about adherence to the treatment. It is observed that many oncology patients have information gaps related to cancer and chemotherapy. However, lack of knowledge and perceptions about cancer have been impacting the help-seeking behaviour and adherence to cancer treatment in patients.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the level of knowledge regarding symptoms and treatment plans of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at a tertiary care hospital, in Karachi, Pakistan.
Methodology: A quantitative analytical cross-sectional design was used to assess the study question. The non-probability consecutive sampling method was used to recruit 157 eligible participants to evaluate their knowledge. The sample size was obtained by using the open-epi software. A pilot testing of the questionnaire was done by offering the study questionnaire (Urdu version) to 10% of the study participants. Then the collected data was analyzed using the SPSS version 22.0.
Findings: The study found that, based on the overall knowledge score, 89.8% of the study participants had an adequate level of knowledge, whereas, only 10.2% had inadequate knowledge. The results of the study concluded that the majority of the participants had an adequate level of knowledge regarding disease symptoms and treatment. This was because the participants were getting effective teaching programs in the hospital.
Conclusion: The study concluded that participants undergoing chemotherapy had adequate knowledge about symptoms, treatment, and side effects. Hence, the study indicates some future interventions for the improvement of healthcare professionals, including educational programs linked to cancer awareness, treatments, complications, and adverse effects, which will help patients cope with the disease and achieve better health outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Ali, K. N. (2023). Evaluating the symptoms and treatment-related knowledge of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in a tertiary care hospital (Unpublished master's dissertation). Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.