Effect of Educational Program on Symptom Burden, Body Image Dissatisfaction and Psychological Distress among Patients with Multiple Myeloma

Abstract

الوصف Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is incurable plasma cells malignancy characterized by bone destruction, end organ failure and immunodeficiency. Cancer-related fatigue and insomnia are common distressing symptom and affect patient’s mood and psychological status. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of educational program on symptom burden, body image dissatisfaction and psychological distress among patients with multiple myeloma. Study design: A quasi experimental design was used to achieve the aim of the study. Subject: A purposive sample consisted of 60 patients with multiple myeloma. The patients were divided into two groups study and control groups. Setting: this study was conducted at hematology outpatient clinic at Ain Shams university hospital. Data collection tools: 1) Patient's demographic characteristics tool, 2) Patient's clinical data tool, 3) knowledge assessment questionnaire, 4) Symptom burden assessment tool, 5) body image assessment scale and 5) psychological distress assessment tool. Results: there were no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) between study and control groups regarding pain, fatigue, insomnia, body image dissatisfaction, anxiety and depression before the educational program implementation. While, there were statistically significant differences (P<0.001) between them post and follow implementation of educational program. Conclusion: Implementation of educational program has statistically significant positive effect on symptom burden, body image dissatisfaction and psychological distress among patients with multiple myeloma Recommendations: Further researches are …