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International Research Journal of Medical Sciences and Health Care

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Awareness of Chemotherapy and Its Side Effects and Their Influence on Quality of Life Among Breast Cancer Patients in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital

DOI https://doi.org/10.55640/irjmshc-v03i04-03
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Chiamaka Chijioke 1 , Festa Chinonyerem Onyekwuo 1 , Kennedy Oberhiri Obohwemu 1 ORCID iD , Gordon Mabengban Yakpir 1 ORCID iD , Celestine Emeka Ekwuluo 1 ORCID iD , Kingsley Chike Madubuike 1 , Kenneth Oshiokhayamhe Iyevhobu 1 ORCID iD , Daniel Ikechukwu Oseji 1 ORCID iD , Festus Ituah 1 ORCID iD , Leonard Nnamdi Meruo 1 ORCID iD , Oluwafemi Emmanuel Ooju 1 ORCID iD , Kenechi Gerald Ike 1 ORCID iD , Mary Oluwayemisi Akadiri 1 , Chidinma Maryann Odiegwu 1 ORCID iD , Tomiwa Moses Adeyemo 1 , Ebere Osinachi Ugwu 1 , Oluwapelumi Silvanus Ajayi 1 , Bolorunduro Joseph Ojo 1 ORCID iD , Nneka Gloria Anazodo 1 ORCID iD , Chiedu Arinze Oraemeka 1 , Jennifer Adaeze Chukwu 1 ORCID iD , Chinenye Cynthia Akwolu 1 ORCID iD , Ekenechukwu Anselem Odiegwu 1 ,
4 BNSc, Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria, Owerri Study Centre, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 PhD, Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria, Owerri Study Centre, Nigeria
4 PhD, Department of Interdisciplinary Research & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 PhD, Faculty of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Oxford Brookes University, GBS Partnership, Birmingham Campus, United Kingdom; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 MPH, Family Health International, Ukraine; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Department of Multidisciplinary Studies & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 FMCPath, Histopathology Department, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 MPH, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Applied Health Science, Edo State University, Iyamho, Edo State, Nigeria; Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 FWACS, Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 PhD, School of Health and Sports Science, Regent College, London, United Kingdom; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 MHPM, Department of Oral Diagnosis and Dental Public Health, D’ Dentist Place Dental Clinic, Owerri, Nigeria; Department of Oral Pathology, D’ Dentist Place Dental Clinic, Owerri, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 MSc, World Health Organisation, Abuja, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 FMCPath, Department of Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 MSc, Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Global Banking School, Oxford Brookes University Partnership, Birmingham Campus, Birmingham, United Kingdom; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 B. Pharm, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 MBBS, Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 FMCS, Department of Plastic Surgery, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 MBChB, Department of Interdisciplinary Research & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 MBBS, Outpatient Department, EFCC Clinic, Abuja, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 MSc, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 MRSC (Ed), Surgery Department, Nisa Garki Hospital, Abuja; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
4 World Health Organization, United Nations House, Abuja, Nigeria; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 MSc, Liverpool Women’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research & Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4 Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, Durham, United Kingdom; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Abstract

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity among women globally, with chemotherapy forming a central component of treatment across disease stages. While effective in controlling disease progression, chemotherapy is associated with a range of side effects that can adversely affect patients’ quality of life. This study examines the relationship between awareness of chemotherapy side effects and quality of life among breast cancer patients within a clinical setting.

A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, drawing on data from 80 patients receiving chemotherapy. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing awareness of chemotherapy, awareness of side effects, and perceived impact on quality of life. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise responses and examine patterns across key variables.

Findings indicate that patients generally demonstrate a high level of awareness of chemotherapy (grand mean = 4.05) and its associated side effects (grand mean = 3.64). Awareness was strongest for visible and frequently experienced symptoms such as hair loss, nausea, and fatigue. However, gaps were observed in more complex aspects of treatment, particularly in relation to treatment sequencing and administration cycles. Quality of life outcomes revealed a consistent pattern of disruption, with respondents reporting fatigue, reduced physical functioning, increased dependence on others, decreased social participation, and heightened anxiety. The overall impact on quality of life was substantial (grand mean = 3.51).

Importantly, higher levels of awareness were associated with better coping and relatively improved quality of life, suggesting that awareness plays a meaningful role in shaping patient experience during treatment. These findings highlight the need for sustained patient-centred education that extends beyond basic information provision.

The study concludes that while awareness of chemotherapy and its side effects is generally high, it remains uneven and insufficient in critical areas. Strengthening patient education and ongoing communication within oncology care may improve coping, enhance quality of life, and support more effective engagement with treatment.

Keywords

Breast cancer, chemotherapy, side effects, quality of life, patient awareness, oncology nursing, patient education, supportive care

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