RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy drugs may have numerous side effects for patients. Thus, this study was conducted with the aim to determine the effect of peer education on the management of chemotherapy side effects in patients with cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, controlled trial was conducted on 80 patients with cancer in 2018. They were allocated to two groups of intervention and control. The self-care education on chemotherapy side effects was provided by the peers to the individuals in the intervention group. The data collection tools included a demographic characteristics form and the Self-Care Diary (SCD). Data analysis was performed using independent t-test and Chi-square test in SPSS software. RESULTS: The results showed that the mean scores of the effectiveness of self-care behaviors were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group after the intervention (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Peer education is recommended for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of peer education on the level of knowledge, comprehension, and knowledge application of patients regarding chemotherapy complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed on 80 patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy in 2018. The participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly allocated to the two groups of control and intervention (40 participants per group). Before the intervention, the participants in both groups completed a demographic characteristics form and the Educational Needs Assessment Questionnaires. Then, the peer education intervention was designed based on the educational needs of the patients regarding chemotherapy complications for the intervention group. Peer education was performed face-to-face and individually during two chemotherapy sessions. The questionnaires were re-administered to both groups 2 weeks after the end of the second chemotherapy session and data analysis was performed using independent t-test, Chi-square. RESULTS: The means of knowledge (t78 = 19.74, p < 0.001), comprehension (t78 = 17.27, p < 0.001), and knowledge application (t78 = 14.84, p < 0.001) were significantly increased after peer education in the intervention group compared to the control group. The difference in the means of knowledge (t39 = 17.40, p < 0.001), comprehension (t39 = -18.53, p < 0.001), and knowledge application (t39 = -13.94, p < 0.001) after peer education, compared to before the intervention, was significant in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: Peer education can lead to increased level of knowledge, comprehension, and knowledge application of patients in terms of chemotherapy complications.