ASSESSMENT OF HOME CARE COUNSELING AND OUTCOME OF CARE OF CANCER PATIENTS ON CHEMOTHERAPY ATTENDING FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTER OWO

This study assesses the impact of home care counseling on the care outcomes of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo. Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with 19.3 million new cases and 10 million deaths recorded in 2020. Chemotherapy, a key modality in cancer treatment, is often associated with physical, emotional, and psychological challenges such as fatigue, nausea, and anxiety, which may negatively affect treatment adherence and overall patient well-being. Home care counseling has emerged as an effective strategy to address these challenges by providing personalized support, including guidance on medication adherence, dietary management, emotional support, and coping strategies for chemotherapy-related side effects. A mixed-methods research design was employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Data were obtained from 55 cancer patients receiving care at FMC Owo. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires, while qualitative data were gathered through interviews and focus group discussions. The study examined the influence of structured home counseling on medication adherence, emotional well-being, and treatment efficacy. Findings from this research offer valuable insights into the role of home care counseling in improving cancer care outcomes. The results have implications for public health policy and the development of patient-centered care models. Ultimately, this study contributes to the formulation of guidelines for implementing effective home care counseling programs in healthcare facilities to enhance the quality of care and survival rates among cancer patients on chemotherapy. Keywords: home care counseling, chemotherapy, cancer patients, medication adherence, emotional well-being, treatment efficacy.