Effects of humanized nursing interventions on psychological well-being and quality of life in rectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Objective: To explore the effect of humanized nursing interventions on rectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 110 rectal cancer patients admitted to Xijing Hospital of the Fourth Military Medical University. Patients were randomized into an observation group (n=55) and a control group (n=55) according to the type of nursing interventions received. The observation group received humanized nursing care, which included modifications to the hospitalization environment, psychological support, dietary guidance, and appropriate exercise. The control group received standard nursing care, including health education and medication management. Both interventions were administered throughout the hospitalization period. Due to serious adverse reactions during chemotherapy, some patients withdrew from the study, resulting in 54 patients in the observation group and 53 patients in the control group. Psychological status, quality of life, and nutritional status were assessed before and after the intervention, and complications and patient satisfaction were statistically analyzed.

Results: Following the intervention, both groups showed a significant reduction in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) scores upon discharge, and an increase in all dimensions of the Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 (GQOLI-74), with more pronounced changes in the observation group (all P < 0.05). Upon discharge, hemoglobin (Hb), serum total protein (TP), and albumin (Alb) levels had decreased in both groups compared to pre-intervention levels, but the observation group exhibited higher levels of these indicators than the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the overall incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P > 0.05), but nursing satisfaction was higher in the observation group than the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Humanized nursing interventions significantly improve nutritional status, alleviate psychological distress, and improve the quality of life for rectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.