The Relationship Between Anticipatory Nausea and Vomiting with Social Support and Anxiety in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Journal of Basic and Clinical Health Sciences, vol.9, no.1, pp.48-57, 2025 (ESCI, TRDizin)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 9 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2025
- Doi Number: 10.30621/jbachs.1423674
- Journal Name: Journal of Basic and Clinical Health Sciences
- Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Page Numbers: pp.48-57
- Keywords: anticipatory nausea and vomiting, anxiety, cancer, chemotherapy, nursing, social support
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to investigate the relationship between anticipatory nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with social support and anxiety. Material and Methods: This descriptive-correlational study involved 134 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at a university hospital and experiencing anticipatory nausea. Anxiety levels were measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), while the severity of nausea was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS-nausea), and social support levels were evaluated using the Cancer Patient Social Support Scale (CPSSS). Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze demographic characteristics. Independent sample t-tests, Kruskal-Wallis, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Mann-Whitney U test, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and Pearson correlation analysis were used for data analysis. Results: Results showed that 62.7% experienced moderate to severe nausea post-chemotherapy, with 57.5% having received prior chemotherapy. 61.2% reported minimal anxiety. Patients under moderately emetogenic treatments exhibited higher anticipatory nausea scores. Anxiety inversely correlated with social support, but no significant link was found between anticipatory nausea severity and anxiety/social support levels. Conclusion: The findings indicate that there is no relationship between anticipatory nausea and vomiting, social support, and anxiety among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.