"A STUDY TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE REGARDING CHEMOTHERAPY SIDE EFFECTS AND LEVEL OF CONFIDENCE IN MANAGING SIDE EFFECTS AMONG CARE GIVERS OF CANCER PATIENTS – A HOSPITAL BASED CORRELATIONAL STUDY IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, KERALA"

Abstract: Caregivers have vital role in supporting cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. It's really important for them to understand the side effects of treatment and feel confident in managing those side effects. This knowledge can make a huge difference not just for the patients, but also for the well-being of the caregivers themselves. A descriptive correlational survey was undertaken to assess the knowledge regarding chemotherapy side effects and level of confidence in managing them among caregivers of cancer patient in a tertiary care hospital in Ernakulam district, Kerala. The research question of this study was how knowledgeable are caregivers about chemotherapy side effects and how confident are they in managing them. The objectives of the study were to estimate the knowledge regarding side effects of chemotherapy among care givers of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, to estimate the level of confidence among caregivers in managing side effects of chemotherapy , to determine the relationship between knowledge on chemotherapy side effects and level of confidence in managing them among caregivers and to determine the association of knowledge on chemotherapy side effects with selected demographic variables . After getting the IRB approval and informed consent the data was collected from 52 subjects attending oncology OPD in a tertiary care hospital in Ernakulam district, Kerala using non probability convenient sampling technique. A socio clinical questionnaire, Knowledge assessment questionnaire and Chemotherapy side effects management confidence scale were used to collect data. The study concluded that the caregivers have poor knowledge regarding chemotherapy side effects but are confident in managing side effects. Also there was no significant relationship between knowledge on chemotherapy side effects and level of confidence in managing them among caregivers (p value= 0.258). The study also find out a significant association between knowledge and educational status of caregivers (p value=0.046). To conclude, this study highlights that caregivers have poor knowledge regarding chemotherapy side effects and their confidence in managing the side effects varies, indicating a need for focused educational programs to enhance their knowledge and ability to support patients. Improving caregiver training could potentially lead to better outcomes for patients.