title: Side effects of chemotherapy among cancer patients in a Malaysian General Hospital: experiences, perceptions and informational needs from clinical pharmacists.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study aimed to assess the most common physical side effects experienced by local chemotherapy patients. Their perceptions of these side effects and informational needs from clinical pharmacists were also evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a single-center, cross-sectional study. A face-to-face interview guided by a structured questionnaire with cancer patients admitted to receive repeated cycles of chemotherapy was conducted. Information collected included chemotherapy-related side effects after last chemotherapy experience, the most worrisome side effects, the side effects overlooked by healthcare professionals and the preferred method, amount and source of receiving related information.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 99 patients recruited, 90 participated in this survey (response rate: 90.9%). The majority were in the age range of 45-64 years (73.3%) and female (93.3%). Seventy-five (83.3%) and seventy-one (78.9%) experienced nausea and vomiting, respectively. Both symptoms were selected as two of the most worrisome side effects (16.7% vs. 33.3%). Other common and worrisome side effects were hair loss and loss of appetite. Symptoms caused by peripheral neuropathies were perceived as the major symptoms being overlooked (6.7%). Most patients demanded information about side effects (60.0%) and they would like to receive as much information as possible (86.7%). Oral conversation (83.3%) remained as the preferred method and the clinical pharmacist was preferred by 46.7% of patients as the educator in this aspect.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The high prevalence of chemotherapy-related side effects among local patients is of concern. Findings of their perceptions and informational needs may serve as a valuable guide for clinical pharmacists to help in side effect management in Malaysia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia E-mail : huankeat123@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Huan-Keat
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Sabrina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ismail
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010595:Pharmacists; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents