Self-care behaviours of chemotherapy patients

Abstract

Objective: To present study self-care behaviours and variables associated with self-care behaviors of cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. Material and Method: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in out-patient department of the National Regional Cancer Center in Chonburi City. Interview questionnaire was the data collection instrument for 133 purposive sampling. Results: Survey result indicated that patients were highly aware of the support provided by staff on service supports, emotional supports and informational support. The present study results also found that the top 3 patient self-care knowledge are, avoiding those who have cold when the patients have low white blood cells, eating hot (cooked well with heat) food and knowing the effects of chemotherapy on causing low red blood cells, low platelets and low white blood cells. The top 3 self-care behaviours of the patients were, always eat cooked food, inquire and understand the instructions from health personnel for self-care and always check herself/himself to maintain good health. However, patients did not usually exercise at least 15 minutes every day, select the recreational activities adequately, and not finding ways to improve their own health. Results from hypothesis testing, indicated that only knowledge variable was associated with self-care behaviours of patients treated with chemotherapy. The demographic variables such as age, marital status, education level, income were not associated with selfcare behaviours of patients treated with chemotherapy. Conclusion: Knowledge is associated with self-care behaviours of cancer patients who received chemotherapy. Providing health promotion for patients is necessary for them to have better self-care behaviours.