Resumen de Conocimientos y actitudes de los estudiantes de Ciencias de la Salud sobre la sintomatología del paciente oncológico
Julia Raya Benítez, Alba Navas Otero
Cancer-related pain and fatigue are prevalent symptoms affecting over half of oncology patients, impacting their quality of life, prognosis, and satisfaction. Despite increasing recognition, these symptoms often go underdiagnosed and undertreated, partly due to insufficient knowledge and attitudes among healthcare professionals. Health science students typically exhibit low levels of knowledge and attitudes regarding pain management in oncology patients. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge among nursing and physiotherapy students regarding cancer-related pain and fatigue. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among health science students at the University of Granada.
The Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain questionnaire (KASRP) assessed the level of knowledge about cancer-related pain and a questionnaire based on the Piper Fatigue Integrated Model and the City of Hope Quality of Life Model questionnaire assessed the level of knowledge about fatigue.
Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 28. A total of 255 participants completed the survey.
Both the nursing and physiotherapy groups demonstrated high levels of knowledge about cancer-related fatigue. However, knowledge of cancer-related pain was notably low. The physiotherapy group of students showed higher levels of knowledge about cancer-related fatigue, while the nursing students showed higher levels of knowledge about cancer-related pain. Enhancing undergraduate education programs in pain management for oncology patients is essential to better prepare future professionals and improve the quality of life and prognosis of oncology patients.
