[Exploration of the Care Needs of Post-Chemotherapy Lung Cancer Patients and Related Factors].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Chemotherapy (CT) is the first priority treatment for advanced stage lung cancer. However, symptom distress, impaired ability to conduct daily activities, and post-CT care needs are potential side effects of CT.

PURPOSE:

To explore the factors related to the care needs of post-chemotherapy lung cancer patients.

METHODS:

A cross-sectional study was used. One hundred and twenty-one adult patients who had been diagnosed with advanced-stage lung cancer and who had undergone CT using the Platinum and Docetaxel doublet regimen were recruited from a medical center in southern Taiwan. The instruments used included a nursing care needs survey, symptoms distress scale, daily activity interference scale, and patient characteristics datasheet.

RESULTS:

Participants self-prioritized their emergency management, health consultation, and emotional support activities based on their perceived care needs. The top three post-CT symptoms in terms of severity were: fatigue, appetite change, and sleep disorder. Primary disruptions in daily activities during the post-CT period related to: holding social activities, work, and stair climbing. Significant and positive correlations were found among daily activity interference (r = .30, p < .01), symptoms distress (r = .23, p < .01), and care needs. The regression model indicated daily activity interference as a predictor of care needs, accounting for 10.7% of the total variance.

CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:

These results highlight the relationships among care needs, symptom distress, and daily activity interference in post-chemotherapy lung-cancer patients. The present study provides a reference for nursing care to reduce the symptom distress, to enhance the performance of daily activities, and to meet the care needs of lung-cancer patients.

• Authors: Hui-Ying Chiu, Yu-Hua Lin, Chin-Chou Wang, Wan-Yi Chen, Huang-Chih Chang, Meng-Chih Lin
• Journal: Hu li za zhi The journal of nursing (Hu Li Za Zhi) Vol. 63 Issue 3 Pg. 62-72 (Jun 2016) ISSN: 0047-262X [Print] China (Republic : 1949- )
• PMID: 27250960 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Female
• Health Services Needs and Demand
• Humans
• Lung Neoplasms (drug therapy, nursing)
• Male
• Middle Aged