Effects of Counselling on Quality of Life among Cancer Patients in Malaysia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Ummavathy  PERIASAMY; Sherina  MOHD-SIDIK; Mehrnoosh  AKHTARI- ZAVARE; Lekhraj  RAMPAL; Siti Irma Fadhilah  ISMAIL; Rozi  MAHMUD

doi:10.18502/ijph.v49i10.4693

Ummavathy PERIASAMY
Sherina MOHD-SIDIK
Mehrnoosh AKHTARI- ZAVARE
Lekhraj RAMPAL
Siti Irma Fadhilah ISMAIL
Rozi MAHMUD

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v49i10.4693

Keywords: Quality of life; Cancer patients; Pharmacist; Counselling; Malaysia

Abstract

Background: We aimed to assess whether “Managing Patients on Chemotherapy” book is effective to improve quality of life (QOL) of cancer patient via counselling by pharmacist.

Methods: A randomized control trial study was run among 2120 cancer patients in public hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia, from Apr 2016-Jan 2018. The treatment group received counselling regarding chemotherapy by using developed module. The data were collected at three time-points: baseline, 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd follow-ups after counseling by Validated Malay version of the WHOQOL-BREF of questionnaire. Data analyses were done using χ² and two-way repeated measure ANOVA.

Results: The treatment group improved significantly as compared to control group in physical health, psychological health, social relationship, environment and overall QOL (P<0.00).

Conclusion: The “Managing Patients on Chemotherapy” book along with repetitive counselling by pharmacists is a useful intervention for improving QOL of cancer patients undergoing treatment.