A Randomized Clinical Trial of a Videotape Intervention for Women With Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia: A Gynecologic Oncology Group Study
- 1 January 2006
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) in Oncology Nursing Forum
- Vol. 33 (2), 305-311
- https://doi.org/10.1188/06.onf.305-311
Abstract
To evaluate changes in body image and self-esteem in women with gynecologic malignancies who experience chemotherapy-induced alopecia and to examine the effectiveness of a videotape intervention on body image and self-esteem.A prospective, randomized study.Subjects were accrued from 11 Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) member institutions participating in 14 GOG treatment protocols.136 women with chemotherapy-induced alopecia, a mean age of 57.7 years, and advanced disease at study entry.Prior to the first course of chemotherapy, all subjects received standard counseling regarding hair loss. Body image and self-esteem scores were obtained prior to course 1 and 3 and after course 4 of chemotherapy. Prior to course 3, women with grade 2 alopecia were allocated randomly to the videotape intervention or no intervention.Total body image and self-esteem as measured by the Body Cathexis/Self-Cathexis Scale (BCSCS).A small but statistically significant change (p = 0.045) in body image was observed after chemotherapy-induced alopecia, with no change in self-esteem. The videotape did not produce a significant effect on body image score.The study results support prior studies that have reported changes in body image as a result of chemotherapy-induced alopecia. The intervention employed (a videotape) was not effective. The BCSCS is a simple and quick measurement for use in future studiesChemotherapy-induced alopecia has an adverse effect on body image. Novel interventions are needed to assist women in coping with this consequence of treatment.Keywords
This publication has 10 references indexed in Scilit:
- Cancer and stigma: experience of patients with chemotherapy-induced alopeciaPatient Education and Counseling, 2004
- Video modelling to educate patientsJournal of Advanced Nursing, 2001
- Changes in self-concept and body image during alopecia induced cancer chemotherapySupportive Care in Cancer, 1997
- Social and cultural dimensions of hair loss in women treated for breast cancerCancer Nursing, 1994
- Knowledge, Expectations and Experiences of Patients receiving Chemotherapy for Breast CancerScandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 1992
- Chemotherapy- induced hair lossNursing Standard, 1991
- HELPING YOUR CANCER PATIENT COPE WITH ALOPECIANursing2021, 1988
- AlopeciaCancer Nursing, 1984
- Body image and patients experiencing alopecia as a result of cancer chemotherapyCancer Nursing, 1979
- The appraisal of body-cathexis: body-cathexis and the self.Journal of Consulting Psychology, 1953