Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Aim of the study was conducted to assesing the relationship between chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, daily life activity and quality of life in chemotherapy-treated patients.

METHODS

The sample of this descriptive study consisted of 196 cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy in the Medical Oncology Polyclinic Unit of the Akdeniz University between March 2016 to August 2016 and met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Participant Informed Consent Form, Patient Presentation Form, Katz Daily Activities Activity Scale, Instrumental Daily Activities Activity Scale, EORTC QLQ-30 and EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 scale were used to collect the data of the study.

RESULTS

62.2% of the patients are between the ages of 46-65, 50.5% are women, 83% are married and 67.2% are primary school graduates. Partly the level of dependence on washing and dressing is higher than the daily activities of the patients. The degree of dependence of the instrumental daily life activities on washing and running errands is high (p<0.05). Sensory, motor and autonomic point averages were also found significantly higher in patients with increasing diagnosis duration and number of cures (p<0.05). Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy scale mean score and life quality scale subscale were negative between general health subscale and functional health status; Positive colaration was found between the symptom score. (p<0.01).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

It has been determined that peripheral neuropathy caused by chemotherapy leads to loss of autonomy in daily and instrumental life activities of patients; limits sense, autonomic, motor functions and negatively affects quality of life. It is recommended to regularly monitor the effects of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy on daily life activities in cancer patients and to plan preventive and rehabilitative interventions.