KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOR OF CHEMOTHERAPY PATIENTS ABOUT INTERVENTIONS FOR FERTILITY PRESERVATION: A DESCRIPTIVE SAMPLE STUDY FROM CANAKKALE

Objective: Neoplasm treatments include chemotherapy and radiotherapy methods alternatively in relation to the type of neoplasms. These methods have many side effects for different tissues and organs. One of these side effects is infertility. Infertility is associated with toxic effects of chemotherapeutics to the germ cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitude and behavior related to fertility preservation among patients who received chemotherapy. Material and Method: This descriptive type epidemiologic research was completed at a University Research Hospital Oncology Clinic after obtaining written permissions from the chief doctor of the hospital and the oncology clinic and ethical board. The study included patients aged 18 and older with neoplasms attending a University Research Hospital Oncology Clinic from November 2016 to April 2017. The data obtained were analyzed with the SPSS 20.0 statistical program. Results: Of 167 people in the study group, 48.5% were female. In our study, 79.1% of patients stated that doctors did not provide information before beginning neoplasm treatment. In our study reproductive technics assisted intervention consultations were requested by 35.3% who reported they were concerned about experiencing reproductive problems after neoplasm diagnosis, 11.4% who were not concerned and 30.0% who didn't remember their emotions about this topic (p<0.05). Conclusion: It is necessary to create awareness among patients of who, where and when to apply about preserving reproduction and to ensure doctors direct these patients to the correct center. With this aim, it may be useful to train oncologists by embryologists about reproductive technics assisted interventions.