Experiences and Perceptions of Patients with Oxaliplatin-Induced Cold Sensitivity in Turkey: A Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore and describe the impact on patients with oxaliplatin-induced cold sensitivity in the early stages. DATA SOURCES: An inductive design was used for this qualitative study, which included open-ended, and in-depth interviews with 18 cancer patients. Throughout the study, the authors followed the COREQ checklist. The interviews were audiorecorded and listened to multiple times. Observation notes were also recorded following each interview. Thematic analysis developed six main themes and 13 subthemes. The first theme concerns changing habits, including changes in fluid intake and clothing choice, changes in bathing and eating habits, and changes in caregiver roles. The second theme includes changes in daily routine behaviors that are perceived as difficulties with changing routines. The third theme is avoiding triggers; the fourth theme is anxiety about self-care. The fifth theme includes a subtheme of difficulty in contact. The final theme includes adaptation to life, caring responsibilities, changes in sexual functions, the performance of religious activities, and social activities IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: This study provides an overview of the lived experiences of oxaliplatin-induced cold sensitivity among cancer patients. Patients faced fewer adverse events by avoiding initiators from the first treatment. They changed their eating and drinking habits owing to difficulties. The findings of this study can be used to better understand oxaliplatin-induced cold sensitivity, identify patients needs based on their experience, and develop interventions to improve patient outcomes.

Determination of the Influence of Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms on Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study with Four Follow-Ups.

AIM: This study aims to evaluate the impact of peripheral neuropathy symptoms throughout with monthly follow-ups during 4 months of paclitaxel treatment. METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 79 patients. The study population consisted of female patients with breast cancer between August 2018 and January 2019. ''Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool'' and ''EORTC C30 Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire'' were applied with four follow-ups. The study was undertaken in accordance with the STROBE checklist for cross- sectional studies. RESULTS: The Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool except for the general activity subdimension were statistically significant in the ratings of second, compared to first; third compared to first and second; fourth compared to first, second, and third follow-up periods. The overall mean of the EORTC C30 Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, functioning, symptom, and global health status were statistically significant in the evaluations of second, compared with first; third compared with first and second; fourth compared with first, second, and third follow-up periods. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study suggest that the increase in neuropathy symptoms during cures negatively affects the quality of life.

Evaluation of Cancer Patients with Older Adult for Awareness and Hospital Arrival Process of COVID-19 Pandemic During: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The study aimed to evaluate the Coronavirus pandemic awareness of cancer patients ≥65 years of age, considered a vulnerable group, and their hospital arrival process, follow-ups and treatments during the pandemic. COVID-19 pandemic was found to increases the mortality and morbidity rates of individuals who aged 65 years and older. The research was conducted with a cross-sectional descriptive correlational design. The sample consist of 77 cancer patients aged 65 years and older adult. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling. In total, 77 patients from the Oncology Hospital located in Ankara from April 29, 2020 to May 20, 2020. Data were collected using a two-part form and a questionnaire. The study was undertaken in accordance with the STROBE checklist for observational studies. Of the participants, 59.7% were female, the mean age was 70 years, 79.2% resided in Ankara and 98.7% traveled to the hospital by car. Looking at the gender and the protective measures taken at home, female participants were found to perform a statistically significant higher level of protective measures. In conclusion, the study results suggest that the restrictions for older adult oncology patients during the pandemic did not negatively affect the delivery of health care.