Factors Influencing Peripheral Neuropathy of Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We conducted a descriptive study to identify the factors affecting peripheral neuropathy in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: Data were collected from 131 cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy at two university hospitals in D city from January to July in 2018. The instruments used were the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20 (EORTC-QLQ CIPN 20), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), nutrition and eating habits, and Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: Factors influencing peripheral neuropathy in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were gender (β=−0.34, p=.005), basal cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet (β=0.29, p<.001), depression (β=0.27, p=.002), and diabetes (β=0.23, p<.001). The explanatory power of the model was 41.1%. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the study, it is necessary to plan nursing interventions for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with peripheral neuropathy by considering gender, cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet, depression, and diabetes.