ABSTRACT

Objective: The aim of study is to evaluate the effect of the occupation-based nursing program (OBaNuP) applied to pediatric oncology patients on chemotherapy-related symptoms and satisfaction level.

Method: The research was carried out as a randomized controlled experimental study with

children receiving cancer treatment. Study data were collected between May 2021-May 2022. Simple randomization technique and closed envelope system were used in sample selection. The sample of study consisted of 60 children between the ages of 7 and 12 who received cancer treatment (intervention group was 30 and control group was 30. ObaNuP was applied to intervention group for 30 minutes per day for 5 days. “Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale 7-12 years (MSAS 7-12)” on the first day, at the end of OBaNuP (5th day), 7 days after the end of OBaNuP, and before discharge (average 10-14 days after the end of UTHeP), “Psychosocial Symptoms Diagnostic Scale for Hospitalized Children (PSDS)” and “Child Satisfaction Form (CMF)” were applied. No intervention was made in control group, and the same data collection tools were applied as intervention group on 1st day, 5th day, one week after the 5th day’s forms were completed, and before discharge (average 10-14 days).

Results: It was observed that there was a statistically significant decrease in MSAS, PSDS and CMF scores of the children in intervention group after OBaNuP compared to control group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: It has been determined that interventions made in line with OBaNuP in pediatric oncology patients have an effect on the chemotherapy-related symptoms and satisfaction level of child.

Keywords: Child, Cancer, Chemotherapy, Occupation, Nursing