Effects of a Supportive-Educative Program on Dietary Behaviors for Infection Prevention among Patients with Hematologic Neoplasms Receiving Antineoplastic Agents
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64767/trcn.2026.280166Abstract
Background: Patients with hematologic malignancies receiving chemotherapy are at increased risk of infection due to immunosuppression. Appropriate, hygienic food consumption is therefore important for preventing infection. Enhancing knowledge and self-care capabilities may help patients improve their dietary behaviors.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study aimed to examine the effect of an educational-support program on dietary behaviors for preventing infection among patients with hematologic malignancies receiving chemotherapy. The program was developed based on Orem’s Self-Care Theory in conjunction with clinical nursing practice guidelines. The sample consisted of 52 patients with hematologic malignancies receiving care at the Hematologic Cancer Clinic, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Participants were purposively selected and assigned to a control group and an experimental group, with 26 participants in each group. Data were collected from January to September 2025. The control group received standard nursing care, whereas the experimental group underwent the program for four weeks. Dietary behaviors were assessed before and after the intervention. The research instrument was a questionnaire on dietary behaviors during chemotherapy, with a content validity index of 1.00 and a reliability coefficient of 0.70. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and statistical tests for group differences.
Results: Before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference in dietary behavior scores between the two groups. After the intervention, the experimental group had a significantly higher median dietary behavior score (Median (IQR) =19) than the control group (Median (IQR) = 17) (p < .05). The experimental group also demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in dietary behavior scores compared with baseline
(p < .05)
Conclusion and Recommendations: The educational-support program based on Orem’s Self-Care Theory contributed to improving dietary behaviors among patients with hematologic malignancies receiving chemotherapy. As such, the program should be considered for integration into nursing care for this population. Further studies should evaluate clinical outcomes, such as infection rates and febrile neutropenia, to determine the broader health effects of the program.
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