The Effect of BeHaS Be Happy and Strong Program on Self Esteem, Fatigue and Anxiety in Postoperative Care Patients with Breast Cancer

Kim, Jong Im; Min, Hyo Suk; Park, Sun Young; Kim, Sun Ae; Jun, Young Suk; Lim, Joung Sun; Kim, So Hyun; Chang, Eil Sung

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of the study was to identify effects of the BeHaS program on self esteem, fatigue and anxiety in postoperative care patients with breast cancer who had surgery with, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, with or without current hormone therapy.
METHODS
This study was a 2-group quasi-experimental research study with a pre and post test design. Fifty-four patients with breast cancer were assigned to the experimental (n=29) or control group (n=25). The BeHaS program which strengthens self esteem through support over a 90-minute period, consists of theme activity (30 minutes), education (15 minutes), group support (15 minutes) and exercise (30 minutes). The experimental group participated in the program once a week for 10 weeks, but the control group was not involved. Data were gathered from October to December, 2008 using a questionnaire with measures of self esteem, fatigue and anxiety. Data were analyzed using t-test with SPSS Win 12.0 to identify differences between the groups.
RESULTS
Self esteem was significantly increased (p= .001) and fatigue significantly decreased (p= .013) in the experimental group. But there was no significant difference in anxiety (p= .868).
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that the BeHaS program for patients with breast cancer had beneficial effects on self esteem and fatigue.