Abstract

Family plays an important role in patient care and the prevention of disease complications. This study aimed to investigate the effect that providing family-based education has on levels of depression in patients with gastric cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Seventy-eight eligible patients were enrolled and randomised into intervention and control groups. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire and Beck's Depression Inventory. In the control group, education was given to patients only, and to patients and their family members in the intervention group. Data were analysed using paired and independent t-tests. Before the education was provided, the mean depression scores of patients in the control and intervention group was 20.08±7.58 and 20.62±7.89 (p=0.76) respectively, and 20.01±11.97 and 18.97±7.90 (p=0.03) respectively after 2 months. Educating both patients and their families can lead to reduced depression in patients with gastric cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Thus, educational intervention for patients' family members is recommended. © 2016 MA Healthcare Ltd.