Effectiveness of Structured Educational Intervention on Breast Cancer Patients’ Knowledge and Practice Regarding Chemotherapy Side Effects in Sulaimani City: “A Quasi-Experimental Study”

Abstract

Background: Chemotherapy is the main component of breast cancer treatment; however, it is associated with numerous adverse effects challenging patients to cope. Therefore, this study examines an educational intervention on knowledge and practice related to chemotherapy adverse effects in women with breast cancer. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was administered at Hiwa Hospital in Sulaimani City between February and October 2025. A total of 108 participants were selected through purposive sampling and evaluated at two time periods. Data were collected through a validated instrument comprising sociodemographic and clinical characteristics along with a developed 12-item-based knowledge and practice questionnaire. The intervention group underwent 2 months of educational intervention, while the control group received standard care. Before the study, pilot testing was conducted to determine the practicality of the instrument. Data were analyzed employing the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 27. Results: The baseline test confirmed deficient knowledge and practice about chemotherapy adverse effects, with no significant disparity between groups (P > 0.05). Following the post-test, the intervention group significantly improved knowledge and practice (P < 0.001) compared to the control group. The level of education was the sole factor significantly correlated with the knowledge domain (P = 0.015). Conclusion: The study concluded that structured educational intervention significantly improved breast cancer patients’ knowledge and practice concerning chemotherapy adverse effects.