EFFECT OF CROTHERAPY AND ORAL CARE IN PREVENTION/REDUCTION OF STOMATITIS AMONG CANCER PATIENT RECEIVING CHEMOTHERAPY
Khadega A. El-Hefnawy and Naglaa H. Kamal*
Departments of Medical- Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menofia University and Alexandria* University
Aim: this study carried out to determine the effect of cryotherapy and oral care on prevention / reduction of oral mucositis among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Method: A convenience sample of 60 patients with cancer receiving 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and alternatively divided into two groups: 30 for each group: Study group (I) received cryotherapy. Control group (II) exposed to routine hospital care. The study was conducted at cancer institute of Shebien El- Kome Menofia University. Tools: three tools were used, Tool 1): Oral care structured interview Tool 2): oral cavity observational checklist Tool 3): Oral mucositis scale. Results: There was significant reduction of mucositis and the related problem such as swallowing, dryness of mouth, difficult of speaking , tast problem and nutritional status among study group subjects as compared to control group subjects. Significant difference also existed between patient in study and control group in the third assessment in relation to grade of mucositis. Conclusion: A proposed crotherapy protocol when implemented showed a reduction in the oral cavity problem among patients who received chemotherapy especially 5-fluorouracil (5FU).
June 2012