The Effects of Taste Changes on the Quality of Life of Patients Receiving Chemotherapy Treatment

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of taste changes on quality of life in cancer patients taking chemotherapy Material and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted between January 2020 and September 2020 with cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in the inpatient and outpatient unit of a university hospital. The sample consisted of 466 cancer patients who met the inclusion criteria and received the same treatment at the same university hospital. Data were collected using the Introductory Information Form, the European Organization for Cancer Research and Treatment Quality of Life Scale Version 3 (EORTC QLQ-C30 Version 3.0), and the Chemotherapy-Induced Taste Change Scale (CiTAS). Results: While the mean total score of EORTC QLQ-C30 was 62.97±13.31, the mean total score of CiTAS was found to be 40.43±17.84. Statistically significant correlations were found between total scores of EORTC QLQ-C30 and CiTAS scales and sub-dimension scores (p<0.001). In the regression analysis, it was found that the EORTC QLQ-C30 total score average of the individuals had a statistically significant and negative effect on the CiTAS total score average. Conclusion: As a consequence, it was determined that taste changes in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment negatively affect the quality of life.