Association between odor and social isolation in patients with malignant tumor wounds: Pilot study

Abstract

Objective: To analysis associations between odor and social isolation in patients with malignant tumor wounds. Material and method: A cross-sectional pilot study performed with nine patients with malignant tumor wounds treated at a university hospital from 2014 to 2016. Data were collected using a five-point likert scale for the evaluation of social isolation related to odor of malignant tumor wounds during nursing consultations. Data were analyzed by inferential statistical strategy with Spearman's coefficient at the significance level of 5% (α = 0.05). Results: Correlation was found with statistical significance between odor and psychosocial dimensions: constraint and limitation in attending public places. Conclusion: odor is the main symptom that causes embarrassment and limits social coexistence, favoring social isolation and degradation of the quality of life of cancer patients.