Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

Prabha Lis Thomas ¹, Harmeet Kaur ², Karthik S. Rishi ³

Affiliations
1 Krupanidhi College of Nursing, Chikkabellandur, Carmelaram, Bangalore, IN
2 Chitkara School of Health Sciences, Chitkara University, Punjab, IN
3 DNB Radiotherapy, Consultant, Radiation Oncology, Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Bangalore, IN

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed at identifying and describing self reported oral pain and dysfunctions associated with oral mucositis among patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiation .

Method: A prospective observational study was conducted on 30 head and neck cancer patients who were undergoing radiation therapy and consented to participate. Data was collected by using a baseline proforma, WHO Oral Toxicity scale and Patient reported oral mucositis symptom scale .The patients were followed up during the entire course of radiation therapy and were monitored for the development of oral mucositis and were asked to rate their pain and associated dysfunctions on 100 mm scale.

Result: The present study findings revealed that all the subjects developed oral mucositis at the end of third week which was progressed to grade 3 or 4 mucositis by the end of therapy. The scores of oral pain and oral dysfunctions were progressively increased during the course of treatment with its peak at the end of treatment. Cumulative dose of radiation therapy and receipt of concurrent chemotherapy were found to have a significant association with oral dysfunction. The study also noted a significant positive correlation with severity of mucositis and oral dysfunctions.

Conclusion: Severe and painful oral mucositis is a dose limiting adverse effect of radiation therapy and its detrimental effect on oral functions is significant .Hence adequate preventive measures of mucositis to be identified to enhance the quality of life of head and neck cancer patients receiving radiation therapy.

Keywords

Oral Pain, Oral Dysfunctions, Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

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Manmeet Kaur ¹, Harmeet Kaur ²

Affiliations
1 Assistant Professor, Chitkara School of Health Sciences, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, IN
2 Principal, Chitkara School of Health Sciences, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, IN

Abstract

Autistic spectrum disorders are the complex neurological conditions resulting in impaired social interaction, difficulty in understanding verbal and non-verbal communication. Caring for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is challenging for both children and their caregivers. Paediatric autistic population have restricted stereotyped behavioural conditions thus resulting in psychological distress, depression, anxiety and other physical health problems among caregivers. The Autistic spectrum disorder uplifts its effect in the early 2.5-3years and continues thereafter till the child turns to an adult. Moreover, many caregivers face severe financial crises, given high out-of-pocket health care expenses, unemployment. Certain set of researches conducted reported plethora of psychosocial problems affecting caregivers of children with autism, ranging from stress, depression, anxiety, restrictions of activities, strain in marital relationships and diminished physical health. The paper aims to discuss the prevalence of autistic spectrum disorder that is increasing due to altered environmental changes, genetic pre-disposition and inability to maintain regularity in antenatal services. Further more, altered quality of life of the caregivers will also be discussed along with exploration of their concerns while dealing with special children.

Keywords

Child Development Disorders, Prevalence, Health Related Quality of Life, Caregivers concerns

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