The efficacy of self-advocacy training on effective communication of adolescents with chemotherapy / radiotherapy induced alopecia

The aim of this study was determining the efficacy of self-advocacy training on communication skills of adolescents with chemotherapy/ radiotherapy induced alopecia. The method of present study was quasi experimental single-subject with pre-test, post-test and two-week and one-month follow-ups. The statistical population of the study consisted of all adolescents aged 12-15 years with chemotherapy/ radiotherapy alopecia in Tehran in 1400. The sample group consisted of 4 adolescents with chemotherapy/ radiotherapy alopecia, who were selected by available sampling method and taking into account the inclusion criteria. The self-advocacy training intervention program was implemented in 5 sessions and the participants responded to the communication skills questionnaire (Attarha, 2007) in two stages, the baseline (A) and the experimental stage (B). SPSS and T test were used for data analysis, and t-test results illustrated the significant effect of self-advocacy training on communication skills and its subscales in adolescents with alopecia due to chemotherapy/ radiotherapy. Therefore, it can be concluded that self-advocacy training due to self-awareness, communication skills and leadership training can lead to the promotion of communication skills of adolescents with alopecia due to chemotherapy/ radiotherapy.