Asian Oncol Nurs.  2023 Mar;23(1):1-9. 10.5388/aon.2023.23.1.1.

Process of Regaining Self-Efficacy in Cancer Survivors Undergoing Gastrectomy

• Emi S
• Masako S
• Haruka O

• KMID: 2546850
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5388/aon.2023.23.1.1

Abstract

Purpose
Patients with gastric cancer experience several challenges in regaining self-efficacy, including postoperative gastric dysfunction and psychosocial problems, after undergoing gastrectomy. This study aimed to describe the process of regaining self-efficacy in cancer survivors who underwent gastrectomy.
Methods
This study enrolled adults, employed a modified grounded theory approach, and targeted participants by theoretical sampling. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analyzed by qualitative and inductive methods.
Results
The participants included 10 post-gastrectomy patients with gastric cancer. The analysis yielded 28 concepts, eight categories, and four core categories. Regaining self-efficacy in cancer survivors began with “Facing gastric cancer and surgery.” After a period of being “At the mercy of gastrectomy and eating habits,” it changed to “Reclaiming life while accepting the loss of gastric function” through trial-and-error, and finally reached the stage of “Aiming for a better future than that before gastric cancer” after a long period.
Conclusion
Despite a crisis and repeated trial-and-error circumstances that could change abruptly, the patients demonstrated a flexible and resilient attitude in regaining self-efficacy. This study presented a time axis of the difficult process of regaining self-efficacy and explained the stages at which nursing intervention becomes important.

Keyword

Stomach neoplasms; Self efficacy; Survivors; Gastrectomy