PAIN SELF MANAGEMENT OF CANCER PATIENTS: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY ON CHILDREN WITH CANCER

Abstract

Pain is a common symptom that reported as a moderate to severe among children with cancer.  The aim of this study was to describe about the pain knowledge related to pain self-management and adherence to pain treatment among children with cancer. By using quantitative research design and description analytically, this research was conducted on 36 children and adolescent in a Community Foundation for the Children and Adolescent with Cancer in Padang City, West Sumatra. Children were given a questionnaire adopted from the NOC (Nursing Outcome Classification) regarding knowledge of pain self-management. Data analysis uses descriptive analysis to capture a perception of each statement points in the questionnaire. The results of this study showed that there are still 33.3% and 25% of children and adolescent who have lack of knowledge in pain self-management. Lack of knowledge in children with cancer will influence the way of handling pain. It was determined that they have to be given better education on handling pain in order to improve their quality of life. Continued prospective data collection in children and adolescents with more advanced stages of cancer can be carried out regarding the frequency of symptoms, severity and level of distress due to excessive pain.