The understanding of information about oral chemotherapy treatment among outpatients at a University Hospital in Ceará, Brazil

Abstract

This study assessed the understanding of information about oral chemotherapy treatment, among patients attending the hematology outpatients' ward of a University hospital. A questionnaire with patient data and details of the treatment was applied to 147 outpatients. The analysis of variables and classification of the level of understanding about the treatment followed methods established in the literature with some adjustments. The study found a significant association between the level of understanding about treatment with the level of education and the occupation of the respondents. Regarding the correct acquisition and administration of the medicine-its name, dose and frequency of administration-there was agreement between the medical prescriptions and the responses for 90.7, 88.0 and 99.3 % of patients, respectively. Patients had less knowledge about the duration and side-effects of the treatment. The level of treatment understanding was classified as good for 74.1 % of those interviewed, suggesting a rational use of oral chemotherapy by the majority of patients.