THE EFFECT OF ORAL CARE GUIDELINES ON THE INCIDENCE OF ORAL MUCOSITIS AMONG PATIENTS UNDERGOING HEAD AND NECK RADIOTHERAPY

Back ground: Oral mucositis (OM) occurs due to impaired function and integrity of the oral mucosa due to the toxic effects of cancer therapy which causes direct damage to the DNA of basal epithelial cells. Oral care guidelines are healthcare intervention designated to address the various barriers that patients may encounter as they move through the healthcare system. Oral care guidelines include adequate nursing assessment and providing instructions about oral care, dietary modifications and pain management. It has been found that maintenance of oral hygiene is one of the most effective ways to lower the risk of oral mucositis and minimize its progression.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oral care guidelines on the incidence of oral mucositis among patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy.

Research Design: A Quasi-experimental research design was used to achieve the aim of this study.

Sample: A purposive nonprobability sample of 100 patients of both genders diagnosed with head and neck cancer were chosen and divided into two groups, study group (I) will receive nursing guidelines, and the control group (II) will receive the routine hospital care. Setting: This study was conducted at the Head and Neck Radiotherapy department at National Cancer Institute (NCI), Cairo University (CU).