Quality of life and people using antineoplastic agents: a descriptive study

• Published in: Online Brazilian journal of nursing Vol. 13; no. 4; p. 579
• Main Authors: de Sa, Caroline Uberteli, Rodrigues, Andrea Bezerra, Oliveira, Patricia Peres, de Andrade, Claudia Toledo, Amaral, Juliana Gimenez
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Fluminense Federal University, Nursing Activities Interest Group 01-12-2014
• Subjects: Antineoplastic agents; Chemotherapy; Health aspects; Nausea
• ISSN: 1676-4285; 1676-4285
• DOI: 10.5935/1676-4285.20144979

Aims: To evaluate the quality of life of people presenting nausea and vomiting induced by antineoplastic agents, and to correlate quality of life with the emetogenic potential of chemotherapeutic protocols and with the dimensioning of the antiemetic scheme. Method: This is a descriptive, quantitative study, performed in an onco-hematologic ward of a hospital located in the municipality of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The standard SF-36 questionnaire was used to evaluate the quality of life of the individuals, and another questionnaire was used to characterize the targeted population. Results: The largest number of the participants was female (70%), aged between 60 and 69 years old (33%), diagnosed with gynecological cancer (30%), and were following treatment protocols with moderate emetogenic potential (70%). Discussion: Commitment was observed in all evaluated domains of quality of life. There was no significant difference when compared to emetogenic potentials or antiemetic dimensioning. Conclusion: The most highly affected domains of quality of life for these individuals were physical limitation and vitality. Descriptors: Drug Therapy; Nausea; Vomiting; Quality of Life; Neoplasms.