Factors of Anticipatory Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Patients

Abstract

Methods. The conceptual framework was derived from Roy’ s Adaptation Model. The subjects for this study were 66 adult patients with various types of cancers, who were scheduled for a third cycle of chemotherapy or above. Results. 47% of the patients experienced anticipatory nausea and vomiting. Conclusion. The study identified two factors, psychological symptoms (p=.002) and severity of post-chemotherapy nausea and vomiting(p=.004), which are directly related to anticipatory nausea and vomiting. These two factors accounted for 39.5% of the anticipatory nausea and vomiting. Identified environmental cues were awareness of hospital setting, sensory stimuli, and experience of chemotherapy which induced nausea and vomiting. Strategies for relieving anticipatory nausea and vomiting taken by cancer patients were religion, reminiscence, distracting imagery, positive thinking, relaxation and physical exercise.