Effect of self-care intervention on self-care ability and quality of life for esophageal cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of self-care intervention on self-care ability and quality of life in patients with esophageal cancer treated with radiotherapy. Methods 100 patients with esophageal cancer treated with radiotherapy admitted to our hospital from January 2016 to December 2017 were divided into two groups with the randomized digital table method.50 patients in the control group received routine nursing intervention, including condition care, vital signs monitoring, medication guidance, diet planning, exercise training; 50 patients in the observation group received self-care intervention on the basis of routine nursing intervention, including psychological care, health education, radiotherapy care, and dietary care. The clinical data of the two groups of patients were compared. Results The scores of health knowledge level, self-concept, self-care responsibility, self-care skills in the observation group were (35.81±3.04), (36.64±3.20), (35.18±3.43), (36.97±3.25), which were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The scores of physical function, role function, emotional function, cognitive function, social function in the observation group were (75.09±9.78), (73.63±10.03), (75.16±9.43), (76.06±10.13), (75.34±9.51), which were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Self-care intervention for patients with esophageal cancer undergoing radiotherapy while receiving routine care has a positive effect on self-care ability and quality of life. Key words: Esophageal cancer; Radiotherapy; Nursing intervention; Self-care intervention