Awareness and Knowledge of Chemotherapy Among Cancer Patients at Suresh Wagle Memorial Cancer Centre, Kathmandu

Abstract

Chemotherapy plays a crucial role in cancer treatment, targeting rapidly dividing abnormal and normal cells, which often leads to significant side effects. This study aimed to assess the awareness of chemotherapy among cancer patients at Suresh Wagle Memorial Cancer Centre, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), Kathmandu, Nepal. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, involving 103 cancer patients selected through nonprobability, purposive sampling. Data were collected via in-person interviews using a semistructured questionnaire. Statistical analysis, including chi-square tests, was conducted to explore associations between patients’ knowledge of chemotherapy and biodemographic variables. The results indicated that nearly half of the respondents, 50 (48.5%), had moderate knowledge of chemotherapy, while a significant association was found between the cycle of chemotherapy and access to health information, with a p value of less than 0.05. The study highlights the need for regular patient education and counseling to enhance awareness and understanding of chemotherapy. The use of educational materials such as brochures, videos, and online resources is recommended to reinforce patients’ knowledge and improve their overall quality of life during treatment.