Assessing the Knowledge Regarding Common Side-Effects of Cancer Chemotherapy among Patients Attending NEIGRIHMS, Shillong with a View of Improving Current Practices - A Cross Sectional Study

Ningthoujam Merina Devi, Namita Singha, Umesh Das

Abstract: Background: Cancer is becoming a major health care concern in India claiming the mortality rate 68% of the population. North Eastern states of India have the highest incidence of Cancer. The aim of study is to assess the knowledge regarding common side-effects of chemotherapy among patients undergoing chemotherapy in NEIGRIHMS and to determine the association between the knowledge regarding common side-effects with the selected demographic variables. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Oncology Department of NEIGRIHMS.96 participants were selected by using Non-Probability Consecutive Sampling Technique. Results: The study found that majority 51 (53.13%) of the study participants have good knowledge regarding the common side effects of chemotherapy whereas 45 (46.88%) have poor knowledge regarding common side effects of cancer chemotherapy. Conclusion: The study concludes that majority of the study participants have good knowledge regarding the common side effects of cancer chemotherapy.

Keywords: Assess, Knowledge, Side-Effects, Cancer, Chemotherapy