Cancer therapy-related symptoms and self-care in Thailand.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to examine patient-reported symptoms and self-care strategies in Thai patients with cancer.


METHODS
The study was descriptive using a cross-sectional design. It was carried out at the National Cancer Institute, Thailand (Bangkok; Lopburi). 202 patients undergoing combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy (RT-CT), n=52; or CT alone, n=103; or RT alone, n=47 participated. Data was collected with the use of a 25-item Therapy-Related Symptom Checklist, TRSC (Thai); a Self-Care Method scale; the Karnofsky Scale, and a Health Data form.


RESULTS
Patients on combined RT-CT reported more symptoms on the TRSC, with greater severity than those receiving RT or CT alone (F=7.2; p<0.01); and lower Karnofsky score (F=4.2, p<0.05); Karnofsky and TRSC scores were inversely correlated. Using complementary care categories, self-care methods reported were six types: (a) Diet/nutrition/life-style changes (e.g. modify food) to manage Eating and Fatigue symptoms; (b) Mind/Body Control to relieve Fatigue and other symptoms; (c) Biologic treatment (e.g. vitamins) for eating difficulties; (d) Herbal treatments for hair loss; (e) Other methods, and (f) taking prescribed medicines to control pain and other symptoms. Some patients reported "doing nothing" as coping.


CONCLUSIONS
Self-care including complementary care use as an adjunct to cancer treatments could help patients deal with the side effects of therapy. Assessment of symptoms using the TRSC (Thai) version and their alleviation could enable the health care providers to enhance patients' coping during cancer treatments.
Piamjariyakul
Ubolrat
U
University of Kansas, School of Nursing, Kansas City, KS, United States. upiamjariyakul@kumc.edu
Williams
Phoebe D
PD
Prapakorn
Somjit
S
Kim
Mira
M
Park
Lisa
L
Rojjanasrirat
Wilaiporn
W
Williams
Arthur R
AR
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style / Q000208:ethnology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology / Q000628:therapy; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013785:Thailand
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents