Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> Purpose Self-care behaviors are essential components of supportive oncology care, enabling patients receiving chemotherapy to manage treatment-related symptoms, maintain functional ability, and improve quality of life. However, evidence regarding self-care behaviors and their determinants among patients with cancer in sub-Saharan Africa remains limited. This study aimed to assess self-care behaviors and identify factors associated with self-care among adult cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in Ethiopia. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to August 2025 among adult cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at Wolaita Sodo Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia. A total of 405 participants were recruited using consecutive sampling. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires incorporating validated measures of self-care behavior, self-care knowledge, perceived social support, and health-related quality of life. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05. Results The mean age of participants was 46.1 ± 14.1 years, and 59.8% were female. Overall, 51.6% (95% CI: 46.9–56.4%) of participants demonstrated good self-care behaviors. Higher monthly income (> 5000 ETB) (AOR = 12.79; 95% CI: 4.44–36.85), good self-care knowledge (AOR = 4.09; 95% CI: 1.40–11.93), higher perceived social support (AOR = 3.71; 95% CI: 1.23–11.20), good quality of life (AOR = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.26–4.96), receiving the third cycle of chemotherapy (AOR = 4.62; 95% CI: 1.05–20.40), and illness duration greater than 12 months (AOR = 6.04; 95% CI: 2.00–18.21) were independently associated with good self-care behaviors. Chemotherapy-related complications, including skin rashes or lesions and weight loss, were associated with poorer self-care behaviors. Conclusion <italic>Only half of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy demonstrated adequate self-care behaviors. Self-care was influenced by socioeconomic status, knowledge, social support, quality of life, treatment experience, and symptom burden. Integrating structured patient education, symptom management, psychosocial support, and financial assistance into routine oncology services may enhance self-care capacity and improve supportive care outcomes among patients receiving chemotherapy in resource-limited settings</italic> . </p>