Effect of chemotherapy induced hair-loss on distress levels among cancer patients visiting public and private hospitals of Punjab

Abstract

Chemotherapy is an essential part of a multimodal strategy in the treatment of many cancers. Chemotherapy-induced hair loss is believed to affect 65 percent of people. According to the study, chemotherapy-induced hair loss has been associated to anxiety, depression, a poor body image, low self-esteem, and a decreased sense of health. Objectives: To find out chemotherapy-induced alopecia distress levels among cancer patients' in Punjab's public and private hospitals. To find out the relationship between demographic variables and chemotherapy induced alopecia distress. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in public and private hospitals of Punjab, over the duration of 6 months, from October 2021 to March 2022. A sample of 323 respondents with the age range 19-54 was obtained. Data collection tool was adapted version of chemotherapy-induced alopecia distress scale (CASD). Frequencies and percentages of categorical variables were reported and Chi-square test was used to find out associations. Results: High distress level was 61% (n=196) while low distress level was 39% (n=127). Majority of the sample population consisted of participants belonging to age group 18-34 (n=146, 45.2%). Most of them were male 53% (n=173). Respondents diagnosed at stage2 had low distress level (54%) as compare to respondents who were diagnosed at stage3 and stage 4. Significant association (p-value ≤0.05) was found between Gender, family income, employment status, disease stage at diagnosis, number of chemotherapy cycles received and current active treatment. Conclusion: Chemotherapy-induced alopecia distress was associated with all of five domains i.e. physical, emotional, daily activities, relationships and treatment. To reduce the suffering caused by alopecia in cancer patients, appropriate therapies must be developed.