Effect of Nursing Interventions on Symptoms and Functional Status among Patients with Lung Cancer

Afify, Zeinab N.; Shehata, Amal E.; Abd El-Ghaffar, Samah M.; Shaala, Shaimaa A.; El – Senbawy, Mohamed S.

doi:10.21608/menj.2024.387345

Effect of Nursing Interventions on Symptoms and Functional Status among Patients with Lung Cancer

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ B.Sc. Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt

² Prof. of Medical Surgical Nursing , Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt

³ Lecturer of Medical Surgical Nursing Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt

⁴ Lecturer of clinical Oncology & Nuclear Medicine - Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Egypt

10.21608/menj.2024.387345

Abstract

Abstract: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality in men and women worldwide. Both lung cancer and its treatment specially chemotherapy cause a range of debilitating side effects that affect patient's functional status and the overall health related quality of life. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of selected nursing interventions (breathing and stretching exercises of upper body) on improving symptoms and functional status among patients with lung cancer. Design: A quasi experimental research design was utilized. Setting: This study was conducted at the inpatient wards and the outpatient clinics of the oncology department, Menoufia University Hospital, Shebin El- kom, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. Sample: A consecutive sample of 60 adult patients with lung cancer were selected. They were randomly assigned into two equal groups, 30 patients in both study and control groups. Instruments: Six instruments were used in data collection: knowledge of patient's structured interview questionnaire, breathing exercises Observational Checklist, Fatigue Assessment Scale, Dyspnea Numeric Rating Scale, Insomnia Severity Index and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General Scale). Results: The main findings of the study revealed , a highly statistically improvement at follow up 1 (100%) of study group had mild to moderate fatigue also, there was statistically significant improvement at follow up 2 (60%, 40%) had mild to moderate fatigue and normal (no fatigue) respectively than control group. Conclusion: The study concluded that nursing interventions contributed to reduction of symptoms (fatigue, dyspnea, insomnia) & functional status among patients with lung cancer. Recommendation: The nursing interventions should be provided for lung cancer patients to improve symptoms and functional status among them.

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