Knowledge and attitudes of Turkish cancer patients regarding the implantable port catheter
Makaleler > Tam Makale · 2009
Yazarlar: Öznur USTA YEŞİLBALKAN, Serpil Bulaç Kır, Ayfer KARADAKOVAN, Rüçhan Uslu
Türk Onkoloji Dergisi, Uluslararası, 2009, cilt 24, ss 108-114
Özet
OBJECTIVES The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of cancer patients regarding the implantable port catheter. METHODS This descriptive study was carried out at a large university hospital in Izmir. The convenience sample consisted of 96 cancer patients who were administered chemotherapy via a port catheter. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation test. RESULTS Of the 96 cancer patients who participated in the study, 56.3% were female, 57.3% were 39-59 years of age, 29.2% had completed primary school education, 83.3% were unemployed, and 43.7% had a gastrointestinal system cancer. In this study, the port catheter was implanted due to long-term continuous intravenous therapy. The correct response rate for the port questionnaire, on average, was 54.1% (±34.42). When the knowledge scores were analyzed according to patients' background characteristics, the only significant relationship determined was between knowledge scores and the time of catheter placement. CONCLUSION This study revealed that cancer patients have insufficient knowledge about the port catheter. We suggest that a protocol for use of the port system should be developed, and written material, such as in brochure form, should be prepared according to the patient's treatment plan. The brochure should be provided to patients in addition to verbal information regarding the port catheter.