Application of Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms on Impact of Chemotherapy Adverse Effects among Children with Haemotological and Solid Tumours

TUS provides a model for the experience of, and relationships between, concurrent symptoms.

Explore the use of TUS as a model for describing the symptom experience related to the impact of chemotherapy adverse effects among children with cancer.

The TUS original theory has three major components. The symptoms that the individual is experiencing, the influencing factors that produce or affect the symptom experience and the consequences of the symptom experience. Within the theory, the symptoms are described in terms of duration, intensity, distress and quality. The influencing factors can be physiological factors, psychological factors and/or situational factors. The performance is described in terms of functional status, cognitive functioning or physical performance.

Physiological factor in the study was the diagnosis of children with haemotolgoical and solid tumors. Psychological factors in the study were the previous exposure to chemotherapy drug administration and the drug effects. Situational factors in the study were the patients prescribed chemotherapy drugs- moderate risk and high risk that produce the symptoms of nausea, vomiting, insomnia and fatigue. All the above three factors were interrelated and causing the symptoms experience (CAE-nausea, vomiting, insomnia and fatigue) which were experienced by the children with cancer for which the nursing interventions were carried out.

TUS the basic components are simple to assess the symptoms severity, duration, frequency, intensity, duration, quality and distress felt by the subject on account of the symptoms(Adverse effects). The unpleasant symptoms experienced by children were assessed and compared with 2 groups. Originally the TUS not compared the symptoms severity among groups to prove the efficacy of any therapeutic measures/nursing intervention. Based on assessment of the relationship of each adverse effect/combined effect not explored in the present study.