Effectiveness of Video-Assisted Educational Program Regarding Prevention of Oral Mucositis among Patients Receiving Radiotherapy

OBJECTIVES: Oral mucositis refers to erythematous and ulcerative lesions in the oral mucosa observed in patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy (RT). It is an acute complication or side effect of RT. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of video assisted educational program regarding the prevention of oral mucositis in terms of knowledge and reported practices among patients receiving RT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quantitative approach, pre-experimental one group pre-test post-test design was used among 50 head and neck cancer patients coming to the radiation unit by non-probability purposive sampling technique. Structured knowledge interview schedule tools, that is, socio-demographic variables, knowledge MCQ’s and reported practices rating scale were used. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20. RESULTS: The study findings reveal that there is a significant improvement in the level of knowledge of patients (t = 4.54, P < 0.05) and reported practices of patients (t = 6.08, P < 0.05) which proves that video-assisted educational program on oral mucositis prevention was effective in improving the knowledge and practices of head and neck cancer patients. The result shows a significant association of pre-test reported practices with the occupation of the patient. There is a moderately positive correlation (0.54) between knowledge and reported practices in pre-test and a strong positive correlation (0.76) between knowledge and reported practices in post-test. CONCLUSION: The present study reveals that video-assisted educational program regarding the prevention of oral mucositis was effective in improving the knowledge and reported practices among head and neck cancer patients receiving RT.