J Korean Clin Nurs Res.  2023 Apr;29(1):85-94. 10.22650/JKCNR.2023.29.1.85.

Factors Influencing Post-Traumatic Growth in Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer

• Yang SG
• Boo S

• KMID: 2549585
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22650/JKCNR.2023.29.1.85

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influencing factors of post-traumatic growth in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling 120 patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Their general characteristics, disease-related characteristics, perceived illness intrusiveness, levels of optimism, social support, and post-traumatic growth were assessed through self-administered questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, oneway ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and multiple regression analysis.
Results
The mean score of post-traumatic growth was 52.74 points(total score of 92 points). Among the subscales of post-traumatic growth, levels of the preciousness of life were the highest, and relating with others was the lowest. The post-traumatic growth was found to be significantly correlated with optimism (r=.48, p<.001), social support (r=.47, p<.001), and depression (r=-.37 p<.001). Factors associated with post-traumatic growth were optimism (β=.36, p<.001), social support (β=.31, p<.001), and depression (β=-.27, p<.001).
Conclusion
Given that prevalence of gastrointestinal cancer is increasing in Korea, identifying general, psychological, and social factors affecting post-traumatic growth among this population will be helpful in clinical practice. Integrated strategies to increase optimism and social support and lower depression should be considered to improve the post-traumatic growth of patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

Keyword

Gastrointestinal Neoplasms; Post-Traumatic Growth; Optimism; Depression; Social Support