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991215P - ATTITUDES OF CAREGIVERS TO CANCER IN RELATION TO THEIR SOCIAL AND WORK BACKGROUND

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Abstract written for the 15th Asia Pacific Cancer Conference Chennai (Madras), India, 12-15th December 1999 by Prof Omar Hasan Kasule Sr. Deputy Dean, Faculty of Medicine, International Islamic University, Kuantan, Malaysia


ABSTRACT
Introduction: The attitudes of caregivers (physicians, nurses, technicians) have an impact on the quality of care given to cancer patients in the domains of physical and psychological well-being. Training programs aimed at inculcating positive attitudes in the caregivers can improve quality of care and patient well-being.

Methods: The study was carried out in 3 general hospitals in the town of Kuantan. A sample of physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel in departments that handle cancer cases was selected. The questionnaire was comprehensive in eliciting information about background factors in the life and experience of the caregivers. Items on knowledge and attitudes to various aspects of cancer were included with responses being graded on a 4-point scale (strongly agree, agree, disagree, strongly disagree). Qualitative research methods were used on a small subsample of the respondents to probe and expand the findings on attitudes. The data was analyzed to describe the attitudes using various descriptors. Inferential analysis allowed relating specific attitudinal parameters to factors in the social and work experiences of the respondents.

Results: The research will be concluded in October 1999 and detailed results will be presented at the conference.

Conclusions: The paper will make recommendations of special orientation courses for caregivers to raise the quality of care for cancer patients.


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