Publication

Abstract : A descriptive study was conducted to assess the symptom related distress among patients with lung cancer in selected outpatient departments in a tertiary care hospital, Kochi. The study was conducted among 80 subjects who met the eligibility criteria using purposive sampling technique. The demographic and clinical data were collected using selfdeveloped structured interview schedule, data regarding symptom related distress were assessed using Sheffield Profile for assessment and referral to care developed by SamH Ahmedzai. Results: Symptom related distress was assessed under various domains physical symptoms, psychological issues, religious and spiritual issues, independence and activity, family and social issues, treatment issues. Collected data was categorized under no distress, mild distress, moderate distress, severe distress. Majority of the subjects 46 (57.5%) experienced severe distress from independence and activity issues followed by family and social issues 20 (25%) and was negligible in other domains. Most of the subjects experienced moderate distress from physical symptoms 59 (73.8%), family and social issues 57 (71.3%), religious and spiritual issues 51 (63.8%), psychological issues 42 (52.5%). Of the physical symptoms most reported symptoms were tiredness 79 (98.75%), shortness of breath 70 (87.5%). Most reported psychological issues were change in appearance 76(95%), restless and agitated 75 (93.75%), anxiety 74 (92.5%). Significant associations were found between symptom related distress from physical symptoms with current treatment. (P0.05), symptom related distress from psychological issues with level of education (P0.05) and current treatment (P0.05), symptom related distress from religious and spiritual issues with level of education (P0.05), symptom related distress from independence and activity with monthly income (P0.05), symptom related distress from treatment issues with age (P0.05).