Nurses' Knowledge of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting Management in Selected Hospitals in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Abstract

Context: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) remains one of the most distressing side effects experienced by cancer patients, particularly in low-resource settings. Nurses play a central role in the prevention and management of CINV; however, variations in their knowledge can affect the quality of care, patient experiences, and patient outcomes.

Aim: This study aimed to assess nurses' knowledge of CINV management in selected hospitals in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya.

Methods: A cross-sectional analytical design was adopted, targeting 160 nurses directly involved in cancer care. Data were collected using structured questionnaires aligned with international CINV management guidelines. The study was conducted in selected public and private hospitals within Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, which hosts the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital—the largest referral facility in the western region—and several county- and faith-based hospitals providing oncology services.

Results: A total of 58.0% of nurses demonstrated adequate knowledge of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) management, while 42.0% exhibited knowledge gaps. Male nurses were significantly less knowledgeable than their female counterparts (OR = 0.82; CI = 0.62–0.98; p = 0.05). Regarding work experience, higher knowledge levels were observed among nurses with more years of experience (6-11 years, 73.7%), and (over 10 years, 70%) at p<0.05; Knowledge levels increased with years of practice. Nurses with 2–5 years of experience (OR = 1.63; CI = 1.23–2.70; p = 0.01) and those with 6–10 years of experience (OR = 1.69; CI = 1.27–4.03; p = 0.02) were significantly more likely to be knowledgeable. Importantly, nurses with over 10 years of experience constituted 70% of those classified as knowledgeable, and the association between longer experience and higher knowledge levels was statistically significant (OR = 0.94; CI = 0.37-2.36; p = 0.03).

Conclusion: The study concludes that while more than half of the nurses possessed adequate knowledge of CINV management, a considerable proportion lacked the necessary understanding to provide optimal care. Targeted continuous professional development, regular updates on evidence-based guidelines, and integration of standardized CINV protocols in clinical practice are essential to bridge existing knowledge gaps and improve patient outcomes.