Effectiveness of Self-Care Practices Educational Program in Preventing and Managing Oral Mucositis in Children Undergoing Chemotherapy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Port-Said University, Egypt, Dean of Gouna Technical Nursing Institute, Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt.

2 Lecturer of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Damietta University, Egypt.

3 Assistant lecturer of Critical Nursing, Gouna Technical Nursing Institute, Hurghada Red Sea, Egypt.

4 Lecturer of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Oral mucositis is a common and painful complication in children undergoing chemotherapy, characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the oral mucosa. This condition can lead to difficulties in eating, swallowing, and speaking, significantly affecting the quality of life and potentially interrupting cancer treatment. Aim of the study: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-care practices educational program in preventing and managing oral mucositis in children undergoing chemotherapy. Subjects and methods: Study design: A quasi-experimental design was used to conduct this study. Setting: The study was conducted at Zagazig University Children's Hospital in both inpatient and outpatient clinics of the hematology-oncology unit, as well as the Internal Medicine Hospital (Oncology Unit), Egypt. Subjects: A purposive sampling technique was used to choose a sample of 50 children undergoing chemotherapy. Tools of data collection: Three tools were used for data collection (I) a structured interview questionnaire, (II) an Oral Assessment Guide (OAG), and (III) a children's self-care habits about oral mucositis tool. Results: The current study revealed that the findings indicate a statistically significant improvement in knowledge and self-care practice regarding mucositis after the implementation of the program as well as children`s oral assessment as the outcome of the program (P <0.05). Conclusion: The self-care educational program that emphasizes oral self-care practices effectively prevents and manages oral mucositis in children undergoing chemotherapy. Recommendations: health care providers should integrate a self-care educational program regarding oral mucositis into the standard care protocol for pediatric chemotherapy patients.

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