الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Background: Dysphagia is one of the most common side effects reported in head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemo-radiotherapy that adversely impacts both the health and quality of life of survivors. Aim: Evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic swallowing exercises on dysphagia and quality of life among patients with head and neck cancer receiving chemo-radiotherapy. Method: A quasi-experimental research design was conducted in radiotherapy department at Mansoura Nuclear Medicine Hospital. Sample: A purposive sample of 60 head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemo-radiotherapy divided into study group and control group. Tools: A structured Interview Questionnaire, (EORTC) Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and its Head and Neck Cancer Module (QLQH& N35) and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS). Results: Participants in study group experienced less dysphagia and improved quality of life compared to whom received routine care as there was a highly statistically significant differences between studied groups (p<0.001). Conclusion: Prophylactic swallowing exercises had a positive effect on dysphagia and quality of life in head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemo-radiotherapy. Recommendation: Head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemo-radiotherapy should be encouraged to perform the prophylactic swallowing exercise before and along the period of chemo-radiotherapy. |