Assessment of The Nurses’ Knowledge about Skin Care For Patients Undergo Radiotherapy of Breast Cancer at Al–Amal National Hospital for Cancer Management in Baghdad City

Abstract

Objectives: The study aims to identify the nurses knowledge toward skin care for patients undergo radiotherapy breast cancer

Methodology: Seventy nurses were selected to achieve the objectives of the study. The study was conducted during Feb./2014 at Al –Amal National Hospital for Cancer Management in Baghdad City. The questionnaire consists of two parts first part: included demographic characteristics of the nurses and the second part: included clauses relating to the knowledge of nurses about skin care to patients undergoing radiation therapy consisted of (20) items .Data were analyzed by using Frequency, percentage and chi-squared test.

Results: The study results showed that most of nurses Knowledge was range between low (40٪) and moderate (45.7٪) and there were significant differences between nurse’s knowledge and nurse’s variables age, level of education, years of experience in radiotherapy unit and number of training sessions at (p <0.05)

Conclusion: The researcher concluded that the nurse’s knowledge is insufficient about skin care for patients undergoing radiotherapy of breast cancer.

Recommendation: It is recommended increase the researcher to focus on the nurses knowledge about skin care for patients undergoing radiotherapy of breast cancer and to identify the symptoms of the side effects of radiation therapy and prevention.