ABSTRACT
Objective:
To describe the chemotherapy-associated symptoms and the strategies used for their management from the perspective of pediatric cancer patients’ family caregivers.
Methods:
This is a descriptive study with qualitative data analysis. Data collection took place in a pediatric hospital, from December 2017 to December 2018, with family caregivers of pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy. Semi-structured interviews, subjected to inductive content analysis, were carried out. Concepts from the Symptom Management Theory were used to discuss the results.
Results:
Eighteen family caregivers participated. The participants mentioned: physical symptoms, especially weakness, alopecia, low immunity, pain, mucositis, constipation, nausea, and vomiting; emotional or psychosocial symptoms such as sadness and mood changes; and constitutional symptoms such as loss of appetite and fever. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures were mentioned in the management of symptoms and adverse effects.
Conclusion:
Participants demonstrated skills to identify and manage symptoms of chemotherapy. Knowing the experience of these families can help nurses in planning care and interventions to minimize these events.
DESCRIPTORS
Neoplasms; Drug Therapy; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Caregivers; Pediatric Nursing
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