Quality of life in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

The objective of this study is to describe the quality of life [QoL] in cancer patients with solid tumors and at different chemotherapy [CT] cycles. A total of 200 cancer patients were included. With some modification, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Questionnaire [EORTC QLQ-C30] was used to measure QoL in the student patients. There was no correlation between the QoL and variables such as age, sex, marital status, duration of disease, economic conditions, and occupational function. Furthermore, no correlation was found between QoL and the patients' educational level [literate or illiterate]. Nevertheless, a significant difference was found between the level of QoL in patients with

Enhancement of parents' awareness about beta-thalassemia major disorder through two educational programs

Beta-thalassemia is one of the most common hereditary diseases in Iran. While many national thalassemia preventive programs have been conducted in Iran, little thought was given to the educational effects of parents of children with thalassemia. This study aimed to investigate how education of parents by means of lecture and/or booklet may lead to reduction of the beta-thalssemia major disorder. Using three groups of parents [n = 30 each; two cases and one control group] of children with thalassemia and two educational methods [booklet and lecture] the effect of education on parents' awareness about the disorder was assessed. The results show that the educational programs have significant positive effect on increase in knowledge of parents about the disease. No significant differences were found between the three groups tested in terms of the mean age, gender, level of education, job, number of affected children, and age of the child. However young parents were better educated as regards knowledge about beta-thalassaemia disorders. Efficient educational programs initiated for the parents can help reduce beta-thalassemia major disorder