title: Symptoms and symptom clusters in non Hodgkin's lymphoma patients in Turkey.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patients demonstrate multiple symptoms in diagnosis and treatment processes. This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to determine the symptoms and symptom clusters in such patients receiving chemotherapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was carried out on a total of 110 inpatients and outpatients receiving treatment in 7 hospitals in Ankara, Turkey. A questionnaire form and the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS) were applied. Percentages, means, t test, one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and cluster analysis were used for statistical analyses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The most prevalent symptoms in this study were lack of energy, hair loss and change in the way food tastes. The most severe symptoms were hair loss, change in the way food tastes and constipation. The top three most distressing symptoms were taste change, constipation and mouth sores. Seven symptom clusters were determined in this study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings of the study will provide an understanding of symptom experiences of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients receiving chemotherapy and will guide determining appropriate nursing interventions. Receiving care of desired quality will contribute to increasing quality of life of affected individuals.
authors.affiliation: Gazi University Institute of Health Sciences , Ankara, Turkey E-mail : skutlu1@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Ferdag
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bolukbas
authors.forename: Sevinc
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kutluturkan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000505:Alopecia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000209:etiology; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003248:Constipation / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000209:etiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005221:Fatigue / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019226:Oral Ulcer / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000209:etiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013651:Taste Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000209:etiology; D014421:Turkey; D055815:Young Adult