EVALUATION OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOURS ABOUT COVID-19 AMONG
CANCER PATIENTS
Abstract
Background COVID-19 pandemic is experienced intensely in our country
like others. The presence of cancer in the patients is associated with
morbidity and mortality in the course of COVID-19 disease. In this
study, we aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitude and
behaivours regarding coronavirus disease in cancer patients. Methods
This study is a single-center study which consists of 220 cancer
patients who treated in our clinic. A questionnaire which consisted of
three parts measuring the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours among
cancer patients about COVID-19 was completed by each patient
face-to-face during June, 2020. Results Most patients were familiar with
the general information on COVID-19. Most cancer patients were aware of
the symptoms of COVID-19 and that they were at greater risk. In 50% of
the patients participating in the survey, it was observed that the
covid-19 outbreak did not thought delaying cancer treatments. Half of
the cancer patients who didn’t receive active cancer treatment preferred
to have control tests performed at the time deemed appropriate by their
doctors during the pandemic. 38.6% of them wanted to have control
examinations done on the scheduled time. All of the patients wore masks
when going out during the outbreak. Nearly all of the participants
(99%) washed their hands to prevent contamination. 95% of the
participants paid attention to social distance with other people.
Contributors in the questionnaire with higher educational level had
significantly higher knowledge mean scores compared to those with
others. Conclusion In general, cancer patients are conscious about
pandemic. They move with high compliance with their doctors in this
period. Since COVID-19 infection is more severe in cancer patients, it
is very important to evaluate these parameters to increase their
knowledge and to correct their incomplete or incorrect information about
this disease.