Objective: To describe the current status of chemotherapy counseling and analyze associated factors. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering general characteristics, counseling practices, counseling content received, and chemotherapy knowledge. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 26.0 software, presenting frequencies, percentages, OR, 95% confidence intervals, and p-values.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 418 cancer patients (non-military) undergoing chemotherapy at the Oncology Institute, 108 Military Central Hospital.
Results: 92.1% of patients received counseling before each chemotherapy cycle; 65.8% received counseling lasting less than 10 minutes. Patient satisfaction levels were 39.7% satisfied and 24.4% very satisfied. The most frequently provided counseling content was pre-cycle laboratory tests (85.4%), followed by chemotherapy goals/progress (65.1%). Counseling on warning signs requiring early medical attention and communication channels for health issues was limited (34.9% and 38.8%, respectively). 61.7% of patients demonstrated good chemotherapy knowledge. Patients under 60 years were more likely to achieve good knowledge compared to those aged 60 and above (OR = 1.621; 95% CI: 1.081-2.432; p = 0.019). Patients satisfied with counseling were more likely to have good knowledge than those dissatisfied (OR = 2.061; 95% CI: 1.367-3.105; p = 0.001).
Conclusions: Chemotherapy counseling was widely implemented, yet counseling duration was short and content not comprehensive. Patient knowledge of chemotherapy was associated with age and satisfaction with counseling.