[Knowledge and learning needs related to cancer treatment in gynecological cancer patients].
OBJECTIVE
This study was to investigate the knowledge and learning needs of chemotherapy in gynecological cancer patients.


METHODS
The subjects consisted of 103 gynecological cancer patients receiving chemotherapy from April 2005 to August 2005. Data was collected using a questionnaire about knowledge and learning needs of chemotherapy. The data was analyzed by t-test, ANOVA, Scheffe test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient using SAS.


RESULTS
Average scores of knowledge and learning needs of general treatment and care were 2.74, and 3.30 respectively. Average score of knowledge and learning needs of chemotherapy were 2.54, and 3.23 respectively. Learning needs of general treatment and care and of chemotherapy were significantly different in relation to marital status, educational level, family support, the operation, and the amount of chemotherapy received. Items with the highest level of learning needs were the symptoms of recurring illness of general treatment, and minimizing side effects of chemotherapy. There were a negative correlation between knowledge and learning needs on general treatment and a positive correlation between knowledge and learning needs on chemotherapy but there were not significant statistically.


CONCLUSIONS
The level of learning needs related to cancer treatment was high, whereas, that of knowledge was low. Therefore, when designing an educational program for gynecological cancer patients, understanding of learning needs is necessary. Also, consideration of a patient's characteristics, and a systematic and detailed educational program should be provided.
Seo
Mi Sook
MS
Clinical Research Coordinating Center, Colledge of Nursing, The Catholic University, 505 Banpo-Dong Socho-Gu, Seoul, Korea.
Choi
Euy Soon
ES
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D019359:Knowledge; D007858:Learning; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D016730:Program Development / Q000592:standards; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014175:Translating