Factors associated with self-care practices in postoperative colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Self-care practices are essential for helping patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy after colorectal cancer surgery in managing and coping with the common side effects of treatment. However, these practices can be influenced by various factors. Identifying these factors is crucial, as it enables healthcare providers, particularly nurses, to design and implement interventions that can improve patients’ self-care abilities and overall quality of life. A descriptive analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 postoperative colorectal cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy at Cho Ray Hospital, who were interviewed directly using a structured questionnaire between April and August 2023. Participants who met the inclusion criteria and provided consent were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 57.8±11.4 years, with 65% being male, and 64% had been undergoing chemotherapy for less than six months. The proportion of patients practicing good self-care was 24%, indicating that the rate of effective self-care practices remained low. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed independent associations, showing that employed patients and those with higher education levels were more likely to engage in good self-care practices (Employment: OR=4.05, 95%CI: 1.82–10.1, p=0.045; High school: OR=9.72, 95%CI: 3.62–9.62, p=0.001; University: OR=5.38, 95%CI: 3.46-35.3, p=0.008). Additionally, patients with better knowledge and the ability to meet their basic needs were more likely to practice good self-care (Chemotherapy and self-care knowledge: OR=3.01, 95%CI: 1.80–5.04, p<0.001; Ability to meet basic needs: OR=5.31, 95%CI: 1.71–16.5, p=0.004). The rate of effective self-care practices among patients remained low. Interventions to improve self-care should consider factors such as employment status, level of education, family history of cancer, duration of chemotherapy-related side effects, knowledge of chemotherapy and self-care, and the capacity to meet basic needs to effectively enhance self-care behaviors