Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: July | Volume: 6 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 476-478
Knowledge Regarding Neutropenic Precautions among Caregivers of Patients Receiving Chemotherapy
Aiswarya Gireesh1, Anol Baby1, Jisha.P.Reji1, Surumi K1, Darsana.S2, Dr.Assuma Beevi T.M3
13rd year B.Sc. Nursing. MIMS College of Nursing. Puthukode
2Senior lecturer. MIMS College of Nursing. Puthukode.
3Director MIMS Academy/Principal MIMS College of Nursing, Puthukode
Corresponding Author: Darsana.S
ABSTRACT
Background: Cancer affects millions per year. The choice of therapy depends upon the location and grade of the tumour and the stage of the disease, as well as the general state of the patient. Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer anticancer drugs that destroys cancer cells. Among side effects of chemotherapy, neutropenia is the most common and complicated. Chemotherapy suppresses the hematopoietic system, impairs host immune mechanisms and places the client in risk of life threatening infections. Patient, health personnel, caregivers are equally responsible in taking precautions to prevent infection during neutropenic state. Aim of the study is to assess the knowledge regarding neutropenic precautions of caregivers of patients receiving chemotherapy
The objectives of the study were,
- Assess the level of knowledge regarding neutropenia among caregivers.
- Assess the level of knowledge regarding neutropenic precautions among caregivers.
- Find out the association between level of knowledge regarding neutropenic precautions and selected demographic variables.
Methods: Quantitative research approach and descriptive research design was used. 100 caregivers of patients receiving chemotherapy oncology units of Aster MIMS Hospital, Calicut were selected using Non probability convenient sampling technique. Semi-structured questionnaire were used for collecting socio-demographic and clinical data, structured questionnaire were used to assess knowledge regarding neutropenia and neutropenic Precautions. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: Almost two-third of subjects (72%) had undergone 0-7 numbers of chemotherapy cycles.
Out of 100 sample, about 70% were planned for 1-2 years of chemotherapy.
The knowledge of caregivers regarding neutropenia was moderate in 54% of subjects,
The knowledge of caregivers regarding neutropenic precautions was moderate in 63% of subjects,
There is a statistically significant association (χ2 =14.2036) at 0.05 level of significance between marital status and neutropenia precautions’s knowledge score.
There is a significant statistical association between educational status and neutropenia precautions’s knowledge score. (χ2 =12.8715) at 0.05 level
There is a statistically significant association (χ2=9.6929) at 0.05 level of significance between occupational status and knowledge score.
Key words: Neutropenia, Chemotherapy, Neutropenic precautions.
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