Effect of peer support intervention on quality of life among breast cancer patients on chemotherapy: intervention and control group study
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Abstract
The tragedy caused by having breast cancer can lead to many challenges for women. The physical and psychological reactions occurring after the diagnosis of breast cancer and during chemotherapy, can have a negative impact on the quality of life (QOL) of patients. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a peer support intervention on QOL of breast cancer patients in Yangon, Myanmar. An interventional study was conducted at Shwe Yaung Hnin Si Cancer Foundation clinic in Yangon in 2019. A total of 74 patients participated and were randomly assigned to an intervention or a control group. The intervention group received peer support during chemotherapy. QOL was assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire(s)-Core30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Independent t-test, chi-square test and analysis of covariance test were used in data analysis. There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, global health status/QOL, physical, emotional, cognitive and social functioning scores and symptoms scores, except for role functioning (p=0.019) at baseline. The intervention group had significantly higher mean scores in global health status/QOL (mean difference/md=10.8, p=0.017), physical functioning (md=7.6, p<0.001), role functioning (md=23, p<0.001), emotional functioning (md=15.9, p<0.001), cognitive functioning (md=10.1, p=0.002) and social functioning (md=17, p=0.002), and significantly lower mean scores in fatigue (md=-9.1, p=0.009), and nausea & vomiting (md=-9.3, p=0.022) than the control group. The results showed that peer support intervention was effective in improving QOL among female breast cancer patients by promoting global health status/QOL and functioning, and diminishing fatigue and nausea & vomiting symptoms. Therefore, peer support intervention should be considered for breast cancer patients to improve their physical and emotional wellbeing.
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References
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