Is self-efficacy a predictor of short-term post-surgical adjustment among Chinese women with breast cancer?

Identifying associations between sample characteristics, symptoms, and self-efficacy differences in adult patients with rare tumors of the central nervous system who participated in a novel web-based natural history study

OBJECTIVE

High self-efficacy is associated with improved self-care and reduced symptoms in cancer patients but has not been fully interrogated in adults with central nervous system (CNS) cancers. We aimed to identify the relationship between self-efficacy levels in managing emotions (SEMEM) and social interactions (SEMSI) by examining sample characteristics and symptom burden.

METHODS

Sample characteristics and patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures addressing self-efficacy (PROMIS SEMEM & SEMSI) and symptom burden (MDASI BT or SP) were collected in a novel web-based study of 158 adult patients diagnosed with rare CNS tumors.

RESULTS

The sample was predominantly female (73%), diagnosed with an ependymoma (66%), and had a median age of 45 (19-75). Low SEMEM was associated with a longer duration of symptoms before surgery (r = -0.26) and female gender (92%) among brain tumor (BT) participants and in spinal cord tumors (SCT), those with lower education (r = 0.29). Reporting low SEMSI was associated with being married (42%), lower education (r = 0.22), and a prolonged time with symptoms before surgery (r = 0.29) in those with BTs, with no associations identified in SCT. More severe mood-related interference (including mood, enjoyment of life, and relationship with others) was associated with lower SEMEM among both locations (r = -0.61 brain, r = -0.28 spine) and SEMSI in BT participants (r = -0.54).

CONCLUSIONS

Low self-efficacy was linked to a prolonged time between symptom onset and initial surgery, education, gender, and marital status and was associated with higher mood-related interference. Understanding characteristics associated with low self-efficacy underscores a need for future studies to tailor interventions that enhance self-efficacy.

The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women's Feelings during a Hospital Stay

Introduction: The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) affected individuals and society and caused disruption, anxiety, stress, and loneliness. Being hospitalized during the pandemic increase a patient’s negative feelings. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients’ feelings (loneliness, depression, hope, self-efficacy) during a hospital stay. Materials and methods: This study included 207 women, aged from 15 to 83 years (55 ± 21.2) that were hospitalized during the pandemic in Białystok, Łomża, and Biała Podlaska, Poland at internal medicine departments. The main reasons for hospitalization were cardiovascular diseases, abdominal pain, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, diabetes, and unknown fever. Respondents were asked to complete the following questionnaires: Sense of Loneliness (the DJGLS), Depression Beck Inventory (BDI), Basic Hope (BHI-12), and Self-Efficacy (GSES). Results: Most of the studied group of women had an average sense of loneliness. A greater sense of loneliness was found among hospitalized women living in the countryside—the lowest sense of loneliness and depression was among women with higher education and the highest sense of effectiveness. One-third of respondents had a moderate degree of depression. Of the respondents, 39% had a relatively high level of basic hope. The assessment of self-efficacy demonstrated that 52% of the respondents showed a high sense of self-efficacy, an average sense of self-efficacy was shown by 35.5% of the respondents, and a low sense of self-efficacy was shown by 12.6% of the respondents. Conclusions: Numerous hospitalized women during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite experiencing moderate depression, had an average sense of loneliness and a high level of hope and self-efficacy.

Decisional balance, self-leadership, self-efficacy, planning, and stages of change in adopting exercise behaviors in patients with stomach cancer: A cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

Previous studies have suggested the benefits of regular exercise in motivating the survivors of cancer; however, most survivors are insufficiently active, showing high rates of nonadherence to physical activity guidelines. Using the I-Change model, this study sought to determine the association of decisional balance and self-efficacy for exercise, planning, and self-leadership with the stages of change in exercise behavior among patients with stomach cancer.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2021 and included 145 patients diagnosed with primary stomach cancer via quota sampling in South Korea. Sociodemographics, comorbidity, decisional balance for exercise, self-efficacy for exercise, planning, self-leadership, and stages of change in exercise behavior were assessed.

RESULTS

Of the participants, 4% were in the precontemplation stage of exercise behavior, 10% contemplation, 37% preparation, 23% action, and 27% maintenance. The male sex (p = 0.043), higher self-efficacy for resisting relapse (p < 0.0001), higher coping planning (p = 0.029), and higher self-leadership for behavior awareness and volition (p = 0.023) were associated with more readiness for changes in exercise behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

From the results obtained using the I-Change model, self-efficacy for resisting relapse to previous habits, coping planning, and behavior awareness and volition were associated with more readiness for changes in exercise behavior. These findings may help reduce stomach cancer survivors' nonadherence to physical activity guidelines.

The effect of progressive relaxation exercises on treatment-related symptoms and self-efficacy in patients with lung cancer receiving chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Patients with lung cancer receiving chemotherapy experience many symptoms, simultaneously or separately, that limit their daily living activities. This study aimed to determine the effect of progressive relaxation exercises on treatment-related symptoms and self-efficacy in patients with lung cancer receiving chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This randomized controlled experimental study was conducted in a university hospital chemotherapy outpatient clinic in Turkey. The study sample consisted of 84 patients, randomly allocated to an experimental group (n = 42) and a control group (n = 42). The experimental group received applied training in progressive relaxation exercises using an MP3 player. The control group received only standard nursing interventions in the chemotherapy unit. Data were collected from patients using a personal information form, a telephone counseling follow-up form, the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale and the Strategies Used by People to Promote Health Scale. Data collection tools were administered at four different times (at first interview and three times on the seventh day of the end of the chemotherapy cycle) and weekly telephone follow-ups were performed.

RESULTS

The symptom scores (frequency, severity and level of distress) significantly decreased in the experimental group, compared with the control group (p = 0.0001). Similarly, self-efficacy scores significantly improved in the experimental group (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Progressive relaxation exercises were potentially effective in promoting symptom management and improving the level of self-efficacy.

Patient-Reported Self-Efficacy, Anxiety, and Health-Related Quality of Life During Chemotherapy: Results From a Longitudinal Study

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

To explore changes over time in self-efficacy and the predictive ability of changes in state anxiety and health-related quality of life during chemotherapy.
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DESIGN

Secondary analysis of a longitudinal dataset derived from a larger, multicenter study.
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SETTING

Outpatient oncology clinics across eight general hospitals in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
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SAMPLE

137 patients scheduled to receive adjuvant chemotherapy for breast or colorectal cancer.
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METHODS

At the beginning of each of six chemotherapy cycles, participants completed the Strategies Used by People to Promote Health questionnaire, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast or -Colorectal questionnaire. Multilevel model analysis was used to analyze longitudinal data, adjusted for demographic and clinical variables.
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MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES

Self-efficacy, anxiety, and health-related quality of life.
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FINDINGS

No significant time effects were found for patients' overall perceived self-efficacy or self-efficacy parameters. A trend toward greater self-efficacy was evident as chemotherapy progressed. Self-efficacy was significantly associated with decreased state anxiety throughout chemotherapy. Increases in overall self-efficacy and perceived ability to maintain a positive attitude were significantly associated with over-time increases in physical, emotional, and functional well-being, as well as with fewer cancer-related concerns.
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CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight the importance of clinical assessments throughout treatment that focus on patients' perceived self-efficacy as a positive regulator of mood and well-being. 
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IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

The current study suggests self-efficacy enhancement should be a key component of psycho-behavioral programs designed to support patients with cancer throughout chemotherapy.

Managerial Self-Efficacy for Chemotherapy-Related Symptoms and Related Risk Factors in Women with Breast Cancer

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most important diseases affecting physical, psychological and social health of women. This study aimed to determine managerial self-efficacy regarding chemotherapy-related symptoms and related risk factors in Iranian patients. Materials and methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 patients with breast cancer referred to medical centers of Urmia in 2016 with a convenience sampling method . The data collection instrument was the symptom-management self-efficacy scale-breast cancer (SMSES-BC) questionnaire whose validity and reliability was evaluated for the first time for Iranians. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Results: Most of the patients were in the age range of 41-49 years. Lowest scores were in the areas of emotional and interpersonal disorders and the highest scores in the area of managing chemotherapy-related symptoms. The mean score of self-efficacy chemotherapy-related symptoms was 168.0±25.4. There were significant relationships between age, education, economic status, marital status and life status and self-efficacy chemotherapy-related symptoms. In addition, a positive significant correlation for each of the subscales. Conclusion: It should be noted that interventional efforts for improving managerial self-efficacy of symptoms, especially management of interpersonal and emotional disorders in these patients are necessary.

Psychological adjustment after breast cancer: a systematic review of longitudinal studies

OBJECTIVES

Breast cancer (BC) can be a traumatic and stressful experience for women, but there are wide-ranging differences in the ways in which women respond and adapt to BC. This systematic review examines which sociodemographic, disease-related, and psychosocial factors near diagnosis predict later psychological adjustment to BC.

METHODS

Database searches were conducted in 9 different health-related databases from 2000 to December 2015 using relevant search terms. Full-text, peer-reviewed articles in English that analyzed potential predictors of psychological adjustment in longitudinal studies were considered for inclusion.

RESULTS

Of 1780 abstracts, 41 studies fulfilled inclusion criteria. Consistent sociodemographic and disease-related variable predictors of adjustment were income, fatigue, cancer stage, and physical functioning. Psychosocial factors, particularly optimism and trait anxiety, as well as perceived social support, coping strategies, and initial levels of psychological functioning, were found to be predictive of later depressive and anxiety symptoms, psychological distress, and quality of life for women with BC, in predictable ways. Other psychosocial variables, such as cognitive and body image factors, predicted psychological adjustment but were explored only by a few studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of studies showed a significant relationship between psychosocial factors and psychological adjustment. These results point to specific sociodemographic, disease-related, and psychosocial factors that can help to identify women at the time of diagnosis who are at risk for long-term psychological challenges so they can be referred for psychological support that targets their specific needs and can improve their quality of life and mood and decrease indicators of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress.

Specificity may count: not every aspect of coping self-efficacy is beneficial to quality of life among Chinese cancer survivors in China

BACKGROUND

General self-efficacy has been shown to be a protective factor of cancer survivors' quality of life (QoL). Coping self-efficacy includes multiple aspects, such as maintaining positive attitudes, regulating emotion, seeking social support, and seeking medical information. How these various aspects are related to multiple domains of QoL is unclear.

PURPOSE

This study examined the associations between different aspects of coping self-efficacy and QoL among Chinese cancer survivors.

METHODS

A sample of 238 Chinese cancer survivors (mean age = 55.7, 74.4 % female) in Beijing, China participated in the survey. Coping self-efficacy and QoL were measured by the Cancer Behavior Inventory and Quality of Life-Cancer Survivor Instrument.

RESULTS

After controlling for demographic and disease-related variables, hierarchical regression analyses showed that coping self-efficacy in accepting cancer/maintaining a positive attitude was positively associated with physical, psychological, and spiritual QoL. Self-efficacy in affective regulation was positively associated with psychological and social QoL, but negatively associated with spiritual well-being. Self-efficacy in seeking support was positively associated with spiritual well-being, but negatively associated with physical QoL. Self-efficacy in seeking and understanding medical information was negatively associated with psychological and social QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings imply the specificity of coping self-efficacy in predicting QOL. Our findings could be helpful for designing future interventions. Increasing cancer survivors' self-efficacies in accepting cancer/maintaining a positive attitude, affective regulation, and seeking support may improve cancer survivors' QoL depending on the specific domains.

The influence of demographics, psychological factors and self-efficacy on symptom distress in colorectal cancer patients undergoing post-surgical adjuvant chemotherapy

PURPOSE

To explore the influence of self-efficacy and demographic, disease-related, and psychological factors on symptom distress among Chinese colorectal cancer patients receiving postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy.

METHODS

Two-hundred and fifty-two colorectal cancer patients who had undergone postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy completed Chinese versions of M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-GI), Stanford Inventory of Cancer Patient Adjustment (SICPA), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Associations between patients' self-efficacy and demographic, disease-related, psychological factors and symptom distress were examined.

RESULTS

Patients' overall symptom distress level was mild; MDASI median subscale scores showed mild symptom severity and symptom interference. Anxiety and depression were positively associated with symptom distress. Multivariable analysis showed that more severe symptoms were associated with age ≥60 years, female gender, suburban residence, body mass index <18.5, and stage III cancer. Age ≥60 years, female gender, marital status of single or divorced, and suburban residence were associated with greater symptom interference with daily activities. Greater self-efficacy was associated with milder symptoms severity and less symptom interference with daily life. After adjusting for confounders, patients with higher SICPA scores had less symptom distress.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-efficacy is strongly associated with reduced symptom severity and symptom interference with daily life in CRC patients. Symptom severity is associated with age >60 years, female gender, body mass index <18.5, suburban residence and stage III disease. Nurse-administered self-efficacy interventions may help to improve self-efficacy and reduce symptom distress.

Self-efficacy difference among patients with cancer with different socioeconomic status: application of latent class analysis and standardization and decomposition analysis

INTRODUCTION

Although the relationship between partial socioeconomic status (SES) and self-efficacy has been studied in previous studies, few research have examined self-efficacy difference among patients with cancer with different SES.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey involving 764 patients with cancer was completed. Latent class analysis (LCA) was applied to identify distinct groups of patients with cancer using four SES indicators (education, income, employment status and health insurance status). Standardization and decomposition analysis (SDA) was then used to examine differences in patients' self-efficacy among SES groups and the components of the differences attributed to confounding factors, such as gender, age, anxiety, depression and social support.

RESULTS

Participants were classified into four distinctive SES groups via using LCA method, and the observed self-efficacy level significantly varied by SES groups; as theorized, higher self-efficacy was associated with higher SES. The self-efficacy differences by SES groups were decomposed into "real" group differences and factor component effects that are attributed to group differences in confounding factor compositions.

CONCLUSION

Self-efficacy significantly varies by SES. Social support significantly confounded the observed differences in self-efficacy between different SES groups among Chinese patients with cancer.

Positive and negative aspects of well-being as correlates of breast reconstruction decision

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to explore the role of positive and negative aspects of well-being in a breast reconstruction decision, described in terms of the trans-theoretical model of change (TTM).

METHODS

The study comprised 216 women after total mastectomy in the cross-sectional design. The positive aspects of well-being were measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale; the negative aspects were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (T-Anxiety scale).

RESULTS

The multinomial logistic regression analyses were implemented, and the action stage was chosen as a relevant category. McFadden's pseudo R-squared for positive, negative and combined aspects of well-being models equalled 0.28, 0.13 and 0.27, respectively. For the first model, the differential effects were observed for well-being, age and relationship status (54 % correctly classified cases), whereas for the model with negative aspects-only age and well-being (44 % correctly classified cases). For a model combining two aspects of well-being, the pattern was similar to the one observed for positive well-being (53 % correctly classified cases). The likelihood of classifying women in the action stage rather than in the pre-contemplation stage was determined by three variables: being in a relationship, better well-being and younger age. For the contemplation stage, the same relations were obtained for well-being and age. Finally, for the preparation stage, the well-being effect disappeared.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that positive rather than negative aspects of well-being, after control for sociodemographic variables, may be significant correlates of breast reconstruction decision.

Affect as a mediator between self-efficacy and quality of life among Chinese cancer survivors in China

Previous studies have shown that self-efficacy influences cancer survivors' quality of life. As most of the relevant findings are based on Caucasian cancer survivors, whether the same relationship holds among Asian cancer patients and through what mechanism self-efficacy influences quality of life are unclear. This study examined the association between self-efficacy and quality of life among Chinese cancer survivors, and proposed affect (positive and negative) as a mediator between self-efficacy and quality of life. A sample of 238 Chinese cancer survivors (75% female, mean age = 55.7) were recruited from Beijing, China. Self-efficacy, affect (positive and negative) and quality of life were measured in a questionnaire package. Self-efficacy was positively associated with quality of life and positive affect, and negatively associated with negative affect. Path analyses revealed the direct effect from self-efficacy to quality of life and the indirect effects from self-efficacy to quality of life through positive affect and negative affect. The beneficial role of self-efficacy in Chinese cancer survivors' quality of life and the mediating role of affect in explaining the relationship between self-efficacy and quality of life are supported. Future interventions should include self-care and affect regulation skills training to enhance cancer survivors' self-efficacy and positive affect, as this could help to improve Chinese cancer survivors' quality of life.

A breast reconstruction needs assessment: How does self-efficacy affect information access and preferences?

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer patients requiring mastectomy do not consistently receive information about post-mastectomy breast reconstruction (PMBR) surgery from the treatment team. Patients have varying levels of self-efficacy, defined as one's confidence in their ability to gather information and make health-related decisions. The present preliminary study was designed to evaluate the relationship between self-efficacy and access to PMBR information.

METHODS

A qualitative interview study was conducted on a convenience sample of 10 breast cancer patients considering or having already undergone PMBR and six key health care provider informants. The modified six-item Stanford Self-Efficacy Scale for managing chronic disease was administered.

RESULTS

Patient self-efficacy scores ranged from 5 to 9.3 (out of 10). Two main access to information themes were identified from the patient qualitative data: theme A - difficulty initiating the PMBR discussion; and theme B - perceived lack of access to PMBR information with the sub-themes of timing, modality, quantity and content of resources. All respondents expressed their concern over the absence of a standardized process for initiating the dialogue of PMBR. Patients also reported that credible and easily accessible information was not routinely available and expressed a desire to hear about their PMBR options early in the decision-making process.

CONCLUSIONS

Health care providers may need to assume more responsibility in standardizing information dissemination on PMBR. This information should be distributed early in the consultation process, the content should be complete, and there may be a role for individualizing the delivery of information based on a patient's level of self-efficacy.

Imagem corporal de mulheres com câncer de mama: uma revisão sistemática da literatura

A mulher passa por um importante processo de reformulação da imagem corporal quando lida com o câncer de mama. Este artigo objetiva a compreensão da relação que o câncer de mama e seus tratamentos têm no processo de (re)elaboração da imagem corporal das mulheres, visando assim ao fomento de subsídios para a formação e a capacitação de profissionais de saúde mais atentos à promoção da qualidade de vida delas. Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da literatura de artigos científicos publicados entre 2004 e 2009 disponíveis em três bases de dado; 56 artigos foram revisados e agrupados em quatro categorias. Destacamos a necessidade de mais estudos que contemplem características socioculturais de mulheres com câncer de mama, sobre diferenças na (re)elaboração da imagem corporal de mulheres jovens e de mulheres mais velhas, e de publicações brasileiras sobre a experiência pessoal e aspectos socioculturais específicos de mulheres com câncer de mama.

Development and pilot-testing of a Decision Aid for use among Chinese women facing breast cancer surgery

BACKGROUND

Women choosing breast cancer surgery encounter treatment decision-making (TDM) difficulties, which can cause psychological distress. Decision Aids (DAs) may facilitate TDM, but there are no DAs designed for Chinese populations. We developed a DA for Chinese women newly diagnosed with breast cancer, for use during the initial surgical consultation.

AIMS

Conduct a pilot study to assess the DA acceptability and utility among Chinese women diagnosed with breast cancer.

METHODS

Women preferred the DA in booklet format. A booklet was developed and revised and evaluated in two consecutive pilot studies (P1 and P2). On concluding their initial diagnostic consultation, 95 and 38 Chinese women newly diagnosed with breast cancer received the draft and revised draft DA booklet, respectively. Four-day post-consultation, women had questionnaires read out to them and to which they responded assessing attitudes towards the DA and their understanding of treatment options.

RESULTS

The original DA was read/partially read by 66/22% (n = 84) of women, whilst the revised version was read/partially read by 74/16% (n = 35), including subliterate women (χ(2) = 0.76, P = 0.679). Knowledge scores varied with the extent the booklet was read (P1: F = 12.68, d.f. 2, P < 0.001; P2: F = 3.744, d.f. 2, P = 0.034). The revised, shorter version was graphically rich and resulted in improved perceived utility, [except for the 'treatment options' (χ(2) = 5.50, P = 0.019) and 'TDM guidance' (χ(2) = 8.19, P = 0.004) sections] without increasing anxiety (F = 0.689, P = 0.408; F = 3.45, P = 0.073).

CONCLUSION

The DA was perceived as acceptable and useful for most women. The DA effectiveness is currently being evaluated using a randomized controlled trial.

Israeli and Chinese partners of women with breast cancer: a cross-cultural view of marital issues

OBJECTIVE

Cultural nuances may influence the interface between the cancer experience and marital issues, specifically for the partner. Most of the literature has focused on the woman's narrative or couple's adjustment to cancer in general. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the marital relationship, sexuality, and marital adjustment of Israeli and Chinese husbands of women with breast cancer and the discussion of the health-care team concerning these issues.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 50 Chinese and 50 Israeli men, ages of 28-79 years, completed components of the Psychological Adjustment to Illness Scale, the Locke Wallace Adjustment Scale, and a background questionnaire.

RESULTS

The majority of husbands were in their first marriage. The average time since diagnosis was 16.7 months. No significant difference was found between the two groups on issues of marital relationship. Significant differences were found between Israeli and Chinese husbands on sexual interest, pleasure, and performance (p<0.05). Israeli husbands reported a significantly higher level of marital adjustment as opposed to the Chinese husbands (p = 0.006). Marital adjustment for both groups was significantly related only to perceived quality of the relationship (p<0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant cultural differences were found in sexuality variables with no differences discerned on marital relationship variables. Couple-based interventions for marital issues are a critical component of support for both partners. Culturally sensitive assessment and care of the spouse as well as the woman with breast cancer should be part of a holistic, comprehensive family care plan.

Self-efficacy, depression, and physical distress in males and females with cancer

AIMS

to examine the relationship between self-efficacy with depression and physical distressing symptoms in males and females with cancer.

METHODS

a total of 41 males and 49 females with cancer completed the General Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), depression scale, from the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD-D), and the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI).

RESULTS

correlations were found between depression and self-efficacy in males (r = -.501, P = .001) and females (r = -.588, P < .0005). The multivariate regression analysis revealed that education and depression could influence self-efficacy in male population. Urogenital versus breast cancer as well as depression seemed to influence females' self-efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

patients who had higher self-efficacy had lower depressive symptoms. Men with depressive symptoms and women with breast cancer and depression are more likely to have low self-efficacy than patients with other cancer types.

Intrusive thoughts and psychological adjustment to breast cancer: exploring the moderating and mediating role of global meaning and emotional expressivity

The aim of this study was to investigate the moderating and mediating role of global meaning and emotional expressivity in the relationship between intrusive thoughts and psychological adjustment (as indicated by mental health status) in a sample of breast cancer patients (N=153). Coping with cancer was also included as an intervening variable to be tested. Moderating effects were explored using a series of hierarchical regression analysis, while multiple mediated effects were tested through bootstrapping procedures. Results showed that global personal meaning had both direct and indirect (mediating) effects on psychological adjustment. Emotional expressivity had neither moderating nor mediating effects on psychological adjustment. These results indicated that a strong sense of personal meaning and purpose in life, and an integrated understanding of self and life may lessen the impact of intrusive thoughts on breast cancer patients' psychological adjustment and mental health status. Implications of the findings for clinical practice and recommendations for future research are discussed.

The quality of life and self-efficacy of Turkish breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Self-efficacy has a positive effect on health behaviors, symptom control, compliance with cancer treatment, and quality of life. This study aims to describe the quality of life and self-efficacy of Turkish breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The sample consisted of 141 patients. Data was gathered using a Patient Information Form, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer (FACT-B), a scale about Strategies Used by Patients to Promote Health and the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist. All quality of life dimensions were negatively affected at a significant level. Following commencement of chemotherapy, there was an increase in the negative effect on physical well-being, emotional well-being and additional concerns subscales and total FACT-B and their self-efficacy was negatively affected to a moderate degree. However, a significant degree of change did not occur in the self-efficacy. During treatment the physical symptoms and psychological distress increased and the activity level was negatively affected. The quality of life and self-efficacy were influenced by personal and medical characteristics, showing consistency with similar studies. Because there are negative effects of cancer and chemotherapy on patients' quality of life and self-efficacy, nurses need to focus on designing psychosocial interventions to improve their self-efficacy and quality of life.