Effect of Chemotherapy upon Lifestyle for Patients with Pulmonary Carcinoma

Abstract

Objective(s): The study objectives are to determine the effect of chemotherapy upon lifestyle for patients with pulmonary carcinoma and to identify the association between the effect of chemotherapy upon lifestyle for patients and their demographic characteristics including (age, gender, housing, marital status, educational level, occupation and income).Methodology: Quantitative design (a descriptive study). The study was conducted at the Medical City/ Baghdad Teaching Hospital; Al-Kadhimiyia Teaching Hospital, and Radiation and Nuclear Medicine Hospital in Baghdad. Starting from 1st Dec. 2011 up to the 5th Feb. 2012. To achieve the objectives of the study, a non-probability (purposive) sample of (50) patients who were reviewed the hospitals above to receive chemotherapy to treat their disease and according to special criteria. Data were collected by self-reporting by patients with lung cancer. Instrument validity was determined through content validity, by a panel of experts. Reliability of the instrument was determined through the use of Pearson correlation coefficient for the test-retest approach, which was (0.80). Analysis of data was performed through the application of descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, and mean of score) and inferential statistics (Chi-square (x2) test).Results: The results of the study indicated that most of patients with pulmonary carcinoma have side effects of chemotherapy related to the physical, psychological, personal and social, and spiritual and religious beliefs aspects. Through the increase significant of items related to side effects during assessment of these items and there is no significant association between the effect of chemotherapy upon lifestyle for patients and gender, housing, occupation and income. While there is significant relationship between the effect of chemotherapy upon lifestyle for patients and age, marital status, and educational level.Conclusion: The researcher can conclude that most of patients with pulmonary carcinoma have side effects of chemotherapy related to the physical, psychological, personal and social, and spiritual and religious beliefs aspects.Recommendations: The study recommend the need to Make quality information more available to assist patients in making informed decisions about change life style after treatment with chemotherapy.