Mastectomy Patients’ Knowledge Level about Breast Lymphedema Prevention

Authors

  • Abbas Hamid Kamil College of Nursing, Bilad Alrafidain University, Diyala
  • Ayat Ibrahim Mrahib College of Nursing
  • Ammar Abdulkhaleq Ali Department of Nursing, Madenat Alelem University College, Baghdad

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21070/ijhsm.v2i1.159

Keywords:

Breast Cancer, Lymphedema, Prevention, Patient Education, Mastectomy

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a prevalent and debilitating complication following breast cancer treatment, significantly impairing patients’ quality of life. Specific Background: Despite its impact, prevention strategies are often underemphasized in post-mastectomy care. Knowledge Gap: Limited patient education and awareness about BCRL preventive measures hinder early intervention. Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge level of mastectomized patients regarding BCRL prevention. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted using non-probability sampling at Baqubah Teaching Hospital's Oncology Ward. Data were collected through a structured instrument comprising socio-demographic, clinical, and knowledge-related items and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Findings revealed a mean knowledge score of 2.26, indicating that the majority of participants had a moderate understanding of BCRL preventive measures. Novelty: This study highlights a critical need for proactive educational interventions targeted at mastectomized patients, emphasizing prevention rather than post-onset management. Implications: Integrating continuous patient education into nursing practice is essential to enhance knowledge and reduce the incidence of BCRL, ultimately improving long-term patient outcomes.

Highlights:

  1. Early education on lymphedema prevention is crucial post-mastectomy.

  2. Most patients demonstrated only moderate knowledge levels.

  3. Nurses play a key role in ongoing patient education.

Keywords: Breast Cancer, Lymphedema, Prevention, Patient Education, Mastectomy

References

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Published

2025-06-02

How to Cite

Kamil, A. H., Mrahib , A. I., & Ali, A. A. (2025). Mastectomy Patients’ Knowledge Level about Breast Lymphedema Prevention. Indonesian Journal on Health Science and Medicine, 2(1), 10.21070/ijhsm.v2i1.159. https://doi.org/10.21070/ijhsm.v2i1.159

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2025): July

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Abbas Hamid Kamil, Ayat Ibrahim Mrahib , Ammar Abdulkhaleq Ali

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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