Comparison of the Self-Care Behaviors according to Mental Adjustment to Cancer

Oh, Pok Ja

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was to explore the psychosocial adjustment, marital intimacy and family support of post-mastectomy patients.
METHODS
The subjects were 90 post-mastectomy patients (stage I or II) who were eligible and agreed to participate in the study. The data collection period was from March to May, 2008. Subjects completed a survey including demographics, psychosocial adjustment scale by Lee (a 4-point Likert scale), marital intimacy scale by Kim (a 4-point Likert scale), and family support by Shim (a 5-point Likert scale). Data were analyzed using SAS (ver 9.0) program and frequency, mean (SD), t-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficients were used.
RESULTS
The mean scores of the psychosocial adjustment and marital intimacy were 2.8 (+/-0.4) and 2.5 (+/-0.5). Also, the mean score of the family support was 3.6 (+/-0.7). Regarding the correlation between the psychosocial adjustment, marital intimacy and family support, there was a positive correlation.
CONCLUSION
These results showed that subjects who had higher PURPOSE: This study was to compare the differences in self-care behaviors between the group with fighting spirit and the group with helplessness.
METHODS
This study utilized a cross-sectional descriptive design. A total of 97 ambulatory cancer patients completed the Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC) scale by Watson et al. (1988) and Self Care Behaviors Scale by Oh et al. (1997). The data was analysed using frequency, percentage, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation and stepwise multiple regression.
RESULTS
Fighting spirit group were found to conduct self-care behaviors more compared to the helplessness group (t=3.346, p<.0001). The score of the self-care behaviors in fighting spirit group was 4.42 out of a total score of 7 and that of helplessness group was 3.85. There was a significant difference (p<.0001) in self-care behaviors according to the level of faith and performance status. Fighting spirit (R2=0.120, p<.0001), performance status (R2=0.078, p=.001) were predictive of self-care behaviors.
CONCLUSION
Cancer patients' mental adjustment is correlated with the degree of self-care behaviors. Having fighting spirit is one of the most adaptive techniques that cancer patients could use in adjustment to the life with cancer.marital intimacy and family support showed better in psychosocial adjustment. To improve psychosocial adjustment of post-mastectomy patients for breast cancer more effectively, there is an necessity to provide various strategic supports and intervention for effective communication with spouse and family.