Factors influencing chemotherapy knowledge in women with breast cancer

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Related to Chemotherapy Among Cancer Patients

Cancer is a leading cause of death, with a rapidly increasing global burden. Chemotherapy is the most effective cancer treatment, and with its benefits, there exist potential problems. The present study assesses cancer patients' knowledge, attitude, and practice toward chemotherapy use. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the oncology wards of various tertiary care hospitals and cancer care centers in Lahore, Pakistan. Patients were included in the study based on convenient sampling. A structured questionnaire with 25 (close-ended) questions and a demographic profile was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze frequencies and percentages. Independent sample t-test and ANOVA were used to calculate the mean and standard deviation. Most patients were females (54%) and married (52.6%), with an unemployment rate of 39%. Patients with higher education depicted significantly higher scores in knowledge (9.61 ± 2.65), attitude (19.37 ± 2.70), and practice (3.89 ± 1.03) domains. Surprisingly, throughout the whole KAP domain, the patient's attitude (18.42 ± 3.31) toward chemotherapy use, showed higher values, as compared to their knowledge (7.78 ± 3.26) and practice (3.66 ± 1.08) scores. The majority of the study participants had a positive attitude toward chemotherapy use, with limited knowledge, and practice.

The role of health literacy in cancer care: A mixed studies systematic review

BACKGROUND

Patients diagnosed with cancer face many challenges and need a good understanding of their diagnosis and proposed treatments to make informed decisions about their care. Health literacy plays an important role in this and low health literacy has been associated with poorer outcomes. The aims of this review are to identify which outcomes relate to health literacy in patients with cancer, and to combine this through a mixed studies approach with the patient experience as described through qualitative studies.

METHODS

Four electronic databases were searched in January 2021 to identify records relating to health literacy and patients with cancer. Records were independently screened then assessed for inclusion by two reviewers according to the following criteria: patients aged ≥18 years with cancer, English language publication AND health literacy measured with validated tool and measured outcome associated with health literacy OR qualitative study exploring the role of health literacy as patients make decisions about health. Quality was independently assessed by two reviewers. A narrative synthesis was performed, and findings integrated through concept mapping. This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO, entry CRD42020166454.

RESULTS

4441 records were retrieved. Following de-duplication, 2496 titles and abstracts were screened and full texts of 405 papers were reviewed for eligibility. 66 papers relating to 60 studies met the eligibility criteria. Lower health literacy was associated with greater difficulties understanding and processing cancer related information, poorer quality of life and poorer experience of care. Personal and situational influences contributed to how participants processed information and reached decisions about their care.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights the important role of health literacy for patients with cancer. Outcomes are poorer for those who experience difficulties with health literacy. Further efforts should be made to facilitate understanding, develop health literacy and support patients to become more involved in their care.