A Study to Assess the Knowledge on Cancer among Geriatric  Patients at SRM General Hospital, Kattankulathur in  Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu, India

Authors

Knowledge, cancer, geriatric patients, Health education, Morbidity.

Cancer is a dread full disease in India and all over the world. Nowadays after age of 75 many people are

living longer. Therefore special attention must be taken to the treatment of older cancer patients. Hence it

is necessary assess the knowledge on cancer among the geriatric patients to develop awareness on cancer.

Objectives

To assess the knowledge on cancer among Geriatric patients at SRM General Hospital, Kattankulathur.
To associate the knowledge on cancer among Geriatric patients with their demographic variables.

Methodology: Non experimental descriptive research design was adopted to assess the knowledge

regarding cancer among Geriatric patients. Totally 100 samples who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were

selected by convenient sampling technique. Self structured objective type questionnaire was used to assess

the knowledge on cancer among Geriatric patients in SRM General Hospital at kattankulathur.

Major Findings: The result of the study revealed 23(23%) patients have poor level of knowledge; 70 (70%)

patients have moderate level of knowledge; 7 (7%) patients have high level of knowledge regarding cancer.

Conclusion: The study conclude that there is a need for health education among Geriatric patients to

understand and treat cancer earlier, hence morbidity and mortality may be prevented and their quality of life

may be improved.

Manju1 , T.Suseelal2 , C.Kanniammal3

1 B.Sc Nursing, 2Associate professor, SRM College of Nursing, 3Dean, SRM College of Nursing, SRM Institute of

Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu Dist, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India