NERS NEWS — Nursing students of Batch 49, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, conducted a health education activity entitled “Protect Yourself from Infection During Chemotherapy” for patients and families in the inpatient ward of the Integrated Oncology Installation (IOT), 5th Floor, Universitas Airlangga Hospital, on September 4, 2026. Organized by Group 1 of the Medical-Surgical Nursing (KMB) Rotation, this education activity aimed to increase participants’ understanding of infection during chemotherapy and self-protection efforts that can be carried out independently.
The educational activity was delivered by two speakers representing Group 1 of the Medical-Surgical Nursing Rotation through a material presentation, discussion and question-and-answer session, as well as the use of educational media in the form of leaflets. The material provided included the definition of infection, the effects of chemotherapy on the immune system, signs and symptoms of infection that need to be watched for, ways to prevent infection independently, and actions that should not be taken when experiencing an infection. Participants were also educated about various preventive measures, such as maintaining oral and dental hygiene, bathing regularly, cleaning the urinary and bowel elimination areas, wearing a mask when in crowded places, maintaining food hygiene, keeping wounds clean and dry, and monitoring body temperature regularly.
In addition to the material presentation, the activity included joint practice of the 6-step handwashing technique to improve participants’ ability to apply one of the simple ways to prevent infection. Participants also received education about the importance of meeting nutritional needs during chemotherapy through an activity on accurately calculating protein requirements. The activity was conducted interactively, with participants responding to the questions provided and having the opportunity to ask questions based on their experiences during chemotherapy.
This activity aimed to help patients and families understand conditions that can increase the risk of infection during chemotherapy and recognize signs and symptoms that need to be watched for. Increased knowledge is expected to encourage participants to independently prevent infection and avoid actions that may increase the risk of infection. This health education activity also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, through increasing awareness of infection prevention and early detection, as well as SDG 4: Quality Education, through the provision of health education accompanied by direct practice.
Through this activity, Nursing students of Universitas Airlangga also played a role in improving the health literacy of patients and families, particularly regarding self-protection from infection during chemotherapy. Participants are expected to apply the knowledge gained in their daily lives, from maintaining personal and food hygiene, practicing proper handwashing, monitoring their physical condition, meeting nutritional needs, to recognizing signs and symptoms of infection that require attention from healthcare professionals. This activity is expected to provide sustainable benefits in supporting patients’ health and quality of life throughout the chemotherapy process.
Writer: Aqso Al Falistin
