peripheral venous catheter-related infection and its affecting factors in patients with breast cancer under chemotherapy

Introduction: peripheral venous catheter placement is a crucial procedure in a number of patientswith cancer. given the high risk of infection during chemotherapy, it is essential to identify thefactors affecting it to take preventive measures. this study aimed yo examine peripheral venouscatheter-related infection and factors affecting it in patients with breast cancer under chemotherapy.methods: this descriptive-analytic study was conductedon 84 patients who entered the study usingaccessible sampling in imam reza hospital in tabriz, iran during 2018-2019. peripheral venouscatheter was inserted in operating room under sterile conditions. the patients' demographic data andinfection symptoms were recorded in their checklist and laboratory tests were conducted to confirminfection in case of presence of symptoms. the data were analyzed in spss 20 using t-test, the coxregression and cumulative incidence (p<0.05).results: the incidence of peripheral venous catheter-related infection was 11.04% and fever andchills, inflammation and pain were the most common clinical symptoms. there was a significantdifference between groups with /without infection in terms of age (p=0.001), number ofchemotherapy sessions (p=0.003) and radiation therapy (p=0.002).conclusion: the 11% incidence of peripheral venous catheter-related infection in this study waslower than other studies. when primary symptoms (fever and chills, pain and inflammation) areidentified in susceptible patients (older patients and those undergoing long courses of chemotherapyand radiotherapy), it could be diagnosed in time.