Symptom monitoring and self-care practices among oncology adults in China

Abstract

Background: Cancer is a major health problem in Asia.

Objective: This study's purpose was to examine patient-reported symptoms and self-care strategies of Chinese adults during cancer treatments.

Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study in cancer centers in Hong Kong and Xi'an, China, was conducted. A total of 222 patients were included: those undergoing combined radiation therapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT) (n = 73), CT alone (n = 63), or RT alone (n = 82). Institutional review board approvals were obtained and participants provided signed consent to participate. Instruments used were the following: (a) 25-item Therapy-Related Symptom Checklist (TRSC) Chinese version, (b) Symptom Alleviation: Self-care Methods tool, (c) Karnofsky Scale and Health Form, and (d) a demographic form.

Results: : The TRSC-Chinese version has good reliability and validity. Chinese patients on combined RT and CT reported more symptoms with greater severity on the TRSC than did those receiving either RT or CT alone (F = 3.08, P < .05). Similar to Midwestern US findings, patients on all treatment types reported severe symptoms on TRSC subscales eating, oropharynx, nausea, fatigue, and pain. Complementary/self-care categories used were diet/nutrition/lifestyle change (most used, found helpful), mind/body control, and biologic treatments: other.

Conclusion: The TRSC, a standardized patient-report symptom checklist, facilitates symptom monitoring and management.

Implications for practice: Patient-reported symptom occurrence and severity scale enable health providers to prioritize, evaluate interventions, and promote/assist patients' self-care.