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

Abstract

Neoadjuvent Radiotherapy: Health Education and Quality of Life for Patients with Rectal Cancer 1Dalia A. Abdelatief , 2Basma M. Khalil , 3Wafaa Kh. Ibrahem , 4Hatem M. Abdalla, 1,2 , Medical – Surgical and 3, Community Health Departments , Faculty of Nursing , 4 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. ________________________________________