Knowledge Regarding Care of Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy among Staff Nurses And Nursing Students

Abstract

Introduction: Radiation therapy is constituent of two words “radio” and “therapy”. Radio mean “rays of radium”, therapy means “curative treatment”. Radiation therapy means treatment by x-rays, by emission and propagation of energy through space through a material medium in the form of waves. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge regarding care of patient undergoing radiation therapy among staff nurses and nursing students. Materials & Methods: Quantitative research approach and descriptive design was used for the study, which was conducted in Narayana medical College Hospital, NELLORE, Andrapradesh. A total of 30 samples in those 15 staff nurses and 15 nursing students were studied, by non probability convenience sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Percentage of categorical variables was computed. Results: The results reveal that with regard to level of knowledge among 30 samples, 2(13%) have adequate knowledge, 3(20%) have moderately adequate knowledge, 10(67%) have inadequate knowledge. Among nursing students, 6(40%) have adequate knowledge, 3(20%) have moderately adequate knowledge, 6(40%) has inadequate knowledge. Regarding the association between the level of knowledge regarding care of patients undergoing radiation therapy among staff nurses and nursing students with demographic variables. Total professional experience has significant association at α = 0.05 level. Other variables are non significant. Conclusion: The findings of study revealed that majority of staff nurses 10(67%) have inadequate knowledge, nursing students 6(40%) have adequate and inadequate knowledge.