The Effect of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia on Distress and Quality of Life in Male Patients With Cancer.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effects of chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) on the distress and quality of life of male patients with cancer and to identify characteristics that place these patients at risk for higher distress and lower quality of life.

Participants & setting: 146 patients with alopecia seen in an outpatient chemotherapy unit and receiving at least one cycle of chemotherapy participated in the study from March to December 2023.

Methodologic approach: Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using an individual information form, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer, and the CIA Quality-of-Life Scale.

Findings: Education level, marital status, pretreatment hair loss status, alopecia severity, hair accessory use because of alopecia, self-reported mood change from alopecia, and distress score significantly affected CIA and explained 72% of the variance in CIA Quality-of-Life Scale scores.

Implications for nursing: Oncology nurses are pivotal in the prevention and early management of CIA. Patients who are expected to lose their hair because of chemotherapy should be informed before treatment and given suggestions to mitigate the impact of changes in appearance. Patients should be educated about pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches that can be used to cope with CIA.