An experimental study to evaluate the effectiveness of health promotion package on selected physiological and psychological symptoms among head and neck cancer patients in selected hospital Kanyakumari district Tamil nadu

Abstract

World is heading towards various types of non-communicable diseases, which are also known as modern epidemics. Among these modern epidemics cancer is the second commonest cause of mortality in developed countries. A study on prevalence of oral mucositis, dry mouth, and dysphagia in advanced head and neck cancer patients concluded that, a range of oral problems such as mucositis, xerestomia, and dysphagia significantly may impact on the physical, social, and psychological well-being of advanced cancer patients to varying degrees. These symptoms should be carefully assessed early but become imperative in the palliative care setting when they produce relevant consequences that may be life-threatening other than limiting the daily activities, particularly eating and drinking. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of health promotion package on physiological and psychological symptoms among head and cancer patients in selected hospital, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu. The conceptual framework for the present study was based on Roy s adaptation model. Quasi experimental with pre-test post test control group design was adapted for the study. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Friedman rank correlation was used to compare the effectiveness of health promotion package on level of mucositis and xerestomia. The study concluded that health promotion package is effective in reducing physiological and psychological symptoms among head and neck cancer patients and the patients felt more comfort.