In Thailand, haematological malignancy is one of the most common
types of cancer. This cross-sectional study, conducted in Southern
Thailand, aimed to describe the symptom experiences of and symptom
management strategies among patients with acute myeloid leukaemia
(AML). Sixty hospitalized patients with AML were recruited. The
Symptom Experience Scale and two open-ended questions regarding
symptom-management strategies were used to collect data via
face-to-face interviews 2 weeks after the induction phase of the AML
protocol. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and content
analysis. High fever, weakness, nausea, and anorexia were the four most
prevalent symptoms reported. Other prevalent symptoms included
weight loss, bleeding, nausea and vomiting, dysphagia, and a cluster of
psycho-emotional symptoms: worrying, fear, feeling discouraged, and
feeling bored. Patients used various approaches and strategies to
alleviate their symptoms, which could be categorized into five groups:
preventive, direct, distraction, complementary, and restorative
approaches. This study has provided important information for the
development of symptom-management nursing programmes for
patients with AML, particularly in Thailand.