Neoadjuvent Radiotherapy: Health Education and Quality of Life for Patients with Rectal Cancer

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Medical – Surgical Ain Shams University .

2 Community Health Departments, Faculty of Nursing,

3 Radiation and Nuclear Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University .

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of health education on quality of life for
patients with rectal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant radiotherapy. Methods: A quasi
experimental design was used for the conduction of this study in the Radiotherapy and Nuclear
Medicine Department and Surgical Outpatients` Clinics at El Demerdash Hospital affiliated
to Ain Shams University Hospitals . A purposive sample composed of 70 adult curative
patients from both sexes with rectal cancer undergoing radiotherapy were recruited from the
above mentioned settings. Tools: (1) Patients' interviewing questionnaire to assess knowledge of
patients about radiotherapy sessions (pre/post health education ). (2) Quality of Life Scale to
assess the impact of radiotherapy on the following dimensions: physical, psychological, social
and spiritual (pre/post health education ). 3) An observation checklist to evaluate the practice of
patients as regards radiotherapy sessions (pre/post health education ). (4) Psychometric
assessment: Pain, anxiety and fatigue levels (pre/post health education). Results: There were
statistical significant differences between pre/post health education program as regards studied
patients` knowledge, practice and quality of life domains , whereas more improvement was
noticed post program. Moreover, significant reduction was indicated in the anxiety, pain and
fatigue levels post health education program, added to an obvious improvement post radiotherapy
sessions. Conclusion: Overall, the study has indicated that health education program had a
positive effect on the improvement of quality of life for patients with rectal cancer undergoing
radiotherapy, which is attributable to better effect of patients` condition . Recommendations:
Further studies should be done to assess the long term success of radiotherapy and follow - up
patients` quality of life.

Keywords

Egyptian Journal of Health Care
Volume 7, Issue 4
December 2016
Pages 303-319

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