Effect of Nursing Strategies on Self Care Practices Radiation Induced Symptoms and Quality Of Life among Patients with Gynecological Cancer at Selected Hospital Erode

Abstract

Radiation therapy is an important treatment modality for patients with gynecological cancer such as cervical, endometrial, vulvar and ovarian cancer. Besides therapeutic effects on cancer cells, it also causes some side effects. As per the global cancer statistics, incidence of gynecological cancer and survival rate is increasing now. As a nurse we are in the position to understand the side effects of pelvic radiation therapy and prevent those at maximum in order to sustain quality of life among patients with gynecological cancer. 212 patients with gynecological cancers are selected by non-probability sampling technique at Erode cancer centre, Erode. After the baseline assessment, they are equally randomized to experimental and control group. The patients belong to experimental group have received information, behavior and motivation regarding nursing strategies on self care practices, radiation induced symptoms and quality of life. The patients belong to both group are observed in 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 Months, 4 months and 6 Months after pelvic irradiation. Quality of life is assessed by QOL-CS questionnaire, interstitial cystitis is assessed by Interstitial cystitis symptom index questionnaire, vaginal and sexual dysfunction is assessed by self administered questionnaire and self care practices like perineal care, kegel exercise and vaginal dilatation is assessed by log of self care practices. The result of the study represents that the patients who received nursing strategies on self care practices, radiation induced symptoms and quality of life have reduced radiation induced symptoms and acquired improved quality of life when compared to control group who received conventional care. Hence, it is effective in reducing side effects of pelvic radiation therapy among patients with gynecological cancer. So, the oncology nurse who works at pelvic radiation therapy unit must have an in-depth understanding of side effects and ought to be skillful in nursing strategies to minimize adverse effects after pelvic irradiation as much as possible.