Neoadjuvent Radiotherapy: Health Education and Quality of Life for Patients with Rectal Cancer

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of health education on quality of life for patients with rectal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant radiotherapy. Methods: A quasi experimental design was used for the conduction of this study in the Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine Department and Surgical Outpatients` Clinics at El Demerdash Hospital affiliated to Ain Shams University Hospitals . A purposive sample composed of 70 adult curative patients from both sexes with rectal cancer undergoing radiotherapy were recruited from the above mentioned settings. Tools: (1) Patients' interviewing questionnaire to assess knowledge of patients about radiotherapy sessions (pre/post health education ). (2) Quality of Life Scale to assess the impact of radiotherapy on the following dimensions: physical, psychological, social and spiritual (pre/post health education ). 3) An observation checklist to evaluate the practice of patients as regards radiotherapy sessions (pre/post health education ). (4) Psychometric assessment: Pain, anxiety and fatigue levels (pre/post health education). Results: There were statistical significant differences between pre/post health education program as regards studied patients` knowledge, practice and quality of life domains , whereas more improvement was noticed post program. Moreover, significant reduction was indicated in the anxiety, pain and fatigue levels post health education program, added to an obvious improvement post radiotherapy sessions. Conclusion: Overall, the study has indicated that health education program had a positive effect on the improvement of quality of life for patients with rectal cancer undergoing radiotherapy, which is attributable to better effect of patients` condition . Recommendations: Further studies should be done to assess the long term success of radiotherapy and follow - up patients` quality of life.