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Knoop I, Gu S, Fareghzadeh S, Jones ASK, Gall N, Moss-Morris R. Exploring the complexities of illness identity and symptom management in seeking a diagnostic label of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS): An inductive approach. Br J Health Psychol 2024; 29:297-316. [PMID: 37845822 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a debilitating and under-recognized condition of the autonomic nervous system. This study applied Leventhal's Common-Sense Model of Illness Representations to explore the journey to a diagnosis of POTS and to understand its relevance to poorly understood conditions which have common comorbidities. DESIGN An inductive qualitative approach was used to explore the processes by which patients formulate explanations and management of symptoms within the search for a diagnostic label and to investigate illness identity in the context of existing diagnoses or multimorbidity. METHODS Participants (n = 29) for this nested qualitative study were recruited from a larger longitudinal study of people who had been newly referred to a specialist POTS service. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via video call. Three researchers coded and analysed data using Reflexive Thematic Analysis and elements of Grounded Theory. RESULTS The analysis resulted in three overarching themes: 'Seeking physiological coherence and validation', 'Individual persistence', and 'Navigating the cumulative burden'. 'Accessibility and disparities of health care' was noted as a contextual factor. Receiving a POTS diagnosis was regarded by participants as providing legitimacy and increased access to treatment. Overall, delays in the diagnostic journey and the lack of a clear diagnosis impacted negatively on patients through increased uncertainty and a lack of clear guidance on how to manage symptoms. Findings also suggested there were great complexities in assigning symptoms to labels in the context of multimorbidity. CONCLUSIONS Participants' stories highlighted the urgent need for better recognition of POTS so that the self-regulatory process can be initiated from the early stages of symptom detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Knoop
- Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Stephanie Gu
- Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Shamim Fareghzadeh
- Neuroscience Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Annie S K Jones
- Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Nicholas Gall
- Cardiology Department, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Rona Moss-Morris
- Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Ulibarri-Ochoa A, Ruiz-de-Alegría B, López-Vivanco G, García-Vivar C, Iraurgi I. Differences in Quality of Life and Emotional Well-being in Breast, Colon, and Lung Cancer Patients During Outpatient Adjuvant Chemotherapy: A Longitudinal Study. Cancer Nurs 2023; 46:E99-E109. [PMID: 35283472 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000001070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adjuvant chemotherapy used at each cancer site may affect quality of life (QoL) and emotional well-being (affect) of cancer patients differently; however, these differences between groups have not been studied. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess differences in QoL and affect by cancer site at the start of outpatient adjuvant chemotherapy, whether QoL and affect change during this treatment, and whether adverse effects influence these variables. METHODS A multicenter longitudinal descriptive study was conducted with 247 participants with breast, colon, or lung cancer at the beginning (T1) and end of treatment (T2). We used the SF-12 Health Survey, Positive and Negative Affect Scale, and an "ad hoc" adverse effects questionnaire. RESULTS At the start of chemotherapy, the lung group had poorer Physical Component Summary and poorer positive and negative affect ( P < .05) scores. In the end-of-treatment comparisons, breast and colon cancer patients' status had worsened, whereas lung cancer patients had tended to stabilize, although they remained the most vulnerable. Adverse effect severity was significant for Physical Component Summary ( r = -0.13, P = .035), with decreases in positive affect ( r = -0.17, β = -.16) and increases in negative affect ( r = 0.15, β = .14). CONCLUSIONS Changes in QoL and emotional state differ between groups, implying a need for varying levels of follow-up and emotional support. Patients with lung cancer seem particularly vulnerable. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Cancer nurses could strengthen the assessment of patients undergoing chemotherapy using more sensitive instruments such as the Positive and Negative Affect Scale and considering differences by cancer site, to provide care tailored to individual patient needs and preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainhoa Ulibarri-Ochoa
- Author Affiliations: Bioaraba Health Research Institute, Clinical Nursing and Community Health Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz (Dr Ulibarri-Ochoa); Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Vitoria-Gasteiz School of Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV-EHU (Drs Ulibarri-Ochoa and Ruiz-de-Alegría); Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Medical Oncology Research Group, and Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo (Dr López-Vivanco); Faculty of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona (Dr García-Vivar); IdiSNA, Navarre Institute for Health Research, Pamplona (Dr García-Vivar); and Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatments, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Deusto, Bilbao (Dr Iraurgi), Spain
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Cohen-Biton L, Buskila D, Nissanholtz-Gannot R. The Effect of the Fibrotherapy Intervention Program on the Coping Patterns of Fibromyalgia Patients. J Clin Rheumatol 2022; 28:278-283. [PMID: 35775743 PMCID: PMC9336555 DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0000000000001866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome is characterized by physical symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and sleep disorders, as well as mental symptoms that include depression, mental exhaustion, and a sense of hopelessness. The current study focuses on 3 main strategies used by FM patients living in communities in the Gaza Envelope who are under constant security threat: problem-oriented, emotion-oriented, and avoidance. METHODS The study introduces a groundbreaking intervention program based on a fibrotherapy intervention (FTI) program developed at the Rehabilitation Center "Ezra Le'Marpeh" led by Rabbi Avraham Elimelech Firer. The cohort study sample consists of 96 women who have been diagnosed with FM and have participated in the FTI program for 10 weeks. The study uses mixed methods of quantitative and qualitative analyses in which 16 women from the sample were interviewed. In addition to collecting demographic information and medical data, the study used the Brief Cope questionnaire. RESULTS The findings corroborate the hypothesis and show a difference between the coping patterns of FM patients before and after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS The sharing experience as a part of the FTI program can lead FM patients to adopt positive disease management strategies, which may improve their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dan Buskila
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva
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Alwreikat A, Shehata A, Edakar MAM. Arab women feelings while seeking information during COVID-19 pandemic: applying PMT constructs. ONLINE INFORMATION REVIEW 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/oir-09-2020-0419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeThis study investigates the effect of protection motivation theory (PMT) constructs on Arab women's feelings while seeking information during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe study has adopted a mixed-method approach using semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire to explore PMT constructs' impact on women's feelings while seeking information on COVID-19. Several tests, such as standard deviation, mean, skewness, kurtosis and persons, were used to check the reliability of data and inter-relationships between constructs.FindingsThe study results show a significant positive correlation between PMT constructs (perceived vulnerability, perceived severity, response efficacy, self-efficacy and response cost) with the feelings of Arab women during information seeking on COVID-19. However, the relationship between threat appraisal and feelings during information seeking was more substantial than coping appraisal and feelings during information seeking. The researchers hope that this study creates a baseline of cross-cultural studies on PMT constructs' effect on women's feelings while seeking health information.Research limitations/implicationsThe current study was conducted on female participants only. While the study intended to examine Arab women's feelings during information seeking with PMT's application, the results may be affected by other factors that were not considered in the current study. Furthermore, the questionnaire was distributed in three Arab countries, which means that the results cannot be generalized in other geographical contexts. Therefore, similar studies need to be conducted in larger geographical areas as cultural factors may produce different results.Originality/valueThis study explores women's feelings while seeking COVID-19 information using the PMT constructs. As far as we know, this study is the first study to investigate Arab women's feelings while seeking health information during pandemics. PMT utilization is considered a new approach to discover and measure informational needs and feelings associated with it during pandemics.
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Ahmadinia H, Eriksson-Backa K, Nikou S. Health-seeking behaviours of immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees in Europe: a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles. JOURNAL OF DOCUMENTATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/jd-10-2020-0168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeImmigrants, asylum seekers and refugees living in Europe face a number of challenges in accessing or using health information and healthcare services available in their host countries. To resolve these issues and deliver the necessary services, providers must take a comprehensive approach to better understand the types of health information and healthcare services that these individuals need, seek and use. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to develop that comprehensive approach.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, a systematic literature review of peer-reviewed publications was performed, with 3.013 articles collected from various databases. A total of 57 qualifying papers on studies conducted in Europe were included in the review after applying the predefined inclusion and exclusion requirements, screening processes and eliminating duplicates. The information seeking and communication model (ISCM) was used in the analysis.FindingsThe findings revealed that while many health information and healthcare services are accessible in Europe for immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees, many of these individuals are unaware of their existence or how to access them. While our findings do not specify what health-related information these groups need, use or seek, they do suggest the importance and value of providing mental health, sexual health and HIV, as well as pregnancy and childbirth information and services. Furthermore, according to our results, health information services should be fact-based, easy to understand and raise awareness about healthcare structure and services available in Europe for this vulnerable population.Practical implicationsThis study has a range of practical implications, including (1) highlighting the need for mental health and behavioural health services and (2) stressing the value of addressing cultural context and religious values while investigating (health) information seeking of people with foreign background.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies to systematically review and examine the behaviour of immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees in relation to health information and healthcare services in the European context.
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Al-Hasan A, Khuntia J, Yim D. Threat, Coping, and Social Distance Adherence During COVID-19: Cross-Continental Comparison Using an Online Cross-Sectional Survey. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e23019. [PMID: 33119538 PMCID: PMC7677591 DOI: 10.2196/23019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Social distancing is an effective preventative policy for COVID-19 that is enforced by governments worldwide. However, significant variations are observed in adherence to social distancing across individuals and countries. Due to the lack of treatment, rapid spread, and prevalence of COVID-19, panic and fear associated with the disease causes great stress. Subsequent effects will be a variation around the coping and mitigation strategies for different individuals following different paths to manage the situation. Objective This study aims to explore how threat and coping appraisal processes work as mechanisms between information and citizens’ adherence to COVID-19–related recommendations (ie, how the information sources and social media influence threat and coping appraisal processes with COVID-19 and how the threat and coping appraisal processes influence adherence to policy guidelines). In addition, this study aims to explore how citizens in three different countries (the United States, Kuwait, and South Korea), randomly sampled, are effectively using the mechanisms. Methods Randomly sampled online survey data collected by a global firm in May 2020 from 162 citizens of the United States, 185 of Kuwait, and 71 of South Korea were analyzed, resulting in a total sample size of 418. A seemingly unrelated regression model, controlling for several counterfactuals, was used for analysis. The study’s focal estimated effects were compared across the three countries using the weighted distance between the parameter estimates. Results The seemingly unrelated regression model estimation results suggested that, overall, the intensity of information source use for the COVID-19 pandemic positively influenced the threat appraisal for the disease (P<.001). Furthermore, the intensity of social media use for the COVID-19 pandemic positively influenced the coping appraisal for the disease (P<.001). Higher COVID-19 threat appraisal had a positive effect on social distancing adherence (P<.001). Higher COVID-19 coping appraisal had a positive effect on social distancing adherence (P<.001). Higher intensity of COVID-19 knowledge positively influenced social distancing adherence (P<.001). There were country-level variations. Broadly, we found that the United States had better results than South Korea and Kuwait in leveraging the information to threat and coping appraisal to the adherence process, indicating that individuals in countries like the United States and South Korea may be more pragmatic to appraise the situation before making any decisions. Conclusions This study’s findings suggest that the mediation of threat and coping strategies are essential, in varying effects, to shape the information and social media strategies for adherence outcomes. Accordingly, coordinating public service announcements along with information source outlets such as mainstream media (eg, TV and newspaper) as well as social media (eg, Facebook and Twitter) to inform citizens and, at the same time, deliver balanced messages about the threat and coping appraisal is critical in implementing a staggered social distancing and sheltering strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiban Khuntia
- University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Dobin Yim
- Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Abstract
Avoiding information about one's health can have long-term implications for health and well-being. Two studies examined the relationship between health information avoidance and coping self-efficacy, or a sense that one can effectively cope. In Study 1, coping self-efficacy, but not general self-efficacy, was associated with information avoidance. In Study 2, participants who reflected on their positive coping strategies were less likely to avoid learning their risk for disease as compared to those who did not reflect on their coping strategies. These findings suggest that coping self-efficacy is a good target for future interventions aimed at reducing health information avoidance.
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Butner-Kozimor LM, Savla J. Couples Facing Skin Cancer in Old Age: A Dyadic Investigation of Partner Support and Quality of Life. Int J Aging Hum Dev 2020; 93:746-766. [PMID: 32715770 DOI: 10.1177/0091415020940193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated perceived support received by partners and its association with quality of life (QOL) in older couples facing skin cancer. Thirty couples (n = 60; M Age = 70) in which one partner had a skin cancer diagnosis (PwSC) completed either online or paper surveys about their skin cancer diagnosis, perceived partner support, and overall QOL. Actor-partner interdependence models revealed that when PwSCs reported overprotection from their healthy partners (HPs), they were more likely to report lower QOL. Protective buffering received by HPs was negatively associated with their QOL as well as their PwSCs QOL. Active engagement support, however, was not associated with either partner's QOL. While couples may use all three styles of relationship-focused support, protective buffering and overprotection affected each partner's QOL. Implications of the study findings for interventions for couples facing illnesses like skin cancer are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jyoti Savla
- 184761 Department of Human Development and Family Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, USA.,1757 Center for Gerontology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, USA
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Liu M, Yang Y, Sun Y. Exploring Health Information Sharing Behavior Among Chinese Older Adults: A Social Support Perspective. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2019; 34:1824-1832. [PMID: 30362825 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2018.1536950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the determinants of health information sharing behaviors of Chinese older adults living in rural areas. Drawing upon a widely used categorization of social support, we tested the effect of social embeddedness and perceived social support on health information sharing behavior, which is conceptualized as a type of enacted social support-informational support. Data were collected between June and August 2014 from 387 older Chinese adults aged 60-79 years in Linxi County of northern China. The results of hierarchical ordinary least squares regression analyses revealed that Chinese older adults' perceived social support from families and social embeddedness were positively associated with health information sharing behavior, net of the influence of social demographic controls and health information seeking and scanning behaviors. Furthermore, health information sharing behavior was also found to be positively associated with health information seeking and scanning behaviors. Overall, this study enriched the existing literature on health information sharing behavior by taking a social support perspective. A number of practical implications were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Liu
- School of Journalism and Communication, Beijing Normal University
| | - Yiqing Yang
- Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Western Carolina University
| | - Ye Sun
- Department of Communication, University of Utah
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Bernadas JMAC, Jiang LC. Explaining online health information seeking of foreign domestic workers: a test of the comprehensive model of information seeking. HEALTH AND TECHNOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s12553-018-0251-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Seeking and using intention of health information from doctors in social media: The effect of doctor-consumer interaction. Int J Med Inform 2018; 115:106-113. [PMID: 29779712 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to investigate how doctor-consumer interaction in social media influences consumers' health information seeking and usage intention. METHODS Based on professional-client interaction theory and expectation confirmation theory, we propose that doctor-consumer interaction can be divided into instrumental interaction and affective interaction. These two types of interaction influence consumers' health information seeking and usage intention through consumer satisfaction and trust towards doctors. To validate our proposed research model, we employed the survey method. The measurement instruments for all constructs were developed based on previous literatures, and 352 valid answers were collected by using these instruments. RESULTS Our results reveal that consumers' intention to seek health information significantly predicts their intention to use health information from social media. Meanwhile, both consumer satisfaction and trust towards doctors influences consumers' health information seeking and usage intention significantly. With regards to the impact of the interaction between doctors and consumers, the results show that both types of doctor-consumer interaction significantly affect consumer satisfaction and trust towards doctors. The mediation analysis confirms the mediation role of consumer satisfaction and trust towards doctors. CONCLUSIONS Compared with many intentional intervention programs, doctor-consumer interaction can be treated as an effective intervention with low cost to promote consumers' health information seeking and usage. Meanwhile, both instrumental and affective interaction should be highlighted for the best interaction results. At last, consumer satisfaction and trust towards doctors could be considered as the important working mechanisms for the effect of doctor-consumer interaction.
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Ussher JM, Parton C, Perz J. Need for information, honesty and respect: patient perspectives on health care professionals communication about cancer and fertility. Reprod Health 2018; 15:2. [PMID: 29304873 PMCID: PMC5756327 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-017-0441-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals affected by cancer report a need for information about fertility from health care professionals (HCPs), in order to inform decision making and alleviate anxiety. However, there is evidence that many health professionals do not engage in such discussions. METHOD A mixed method design was used to examine the construction and subjective experience of communication with health professionals about fertility in the context of cancer, from the perspective of patients. A survey was completed by 693 women and 185 men, across a range of cancer tumour types and age groups, and in-depth one-to-one interviews conducted with a purposively selected subsample of survey respondents, 61 women and 17 men. The chi square test for independence was used to test for group differences between women and men on closed survey items. Thematic analysis was used to examine the open ended survey responses and interviews. RESULTS Significantly more women (57%, n = 373) than men (46%, n = 80) (X2(2517) = 6.54, p = .011) reported that they had discussed fertility with a HCP since diagnosis of cancer. Satisfaction with the discussion was reported by 65% (n = 242) of women and 69% (n = 54) (ns) of men. This discussion was reported to have been initiated by the patient or their partner in 44% (n = 165) of women and 47% (n = 37) (ns) of men. In the interviews and open ended surveys three themes were identified: Feeling heard and informed about fertility after cancer: Positive experiences of HCP communication; "I was never given full disclosure": HCP silence or reticence about discussing fertility after cancer, including the sub-theme "Their primary concern is getting me cancer free": Constructions of absence of fertility communication by HCPs; and Confusion and lack of compassion: Unsatisfactory information provision about fertility and cancer. CONCLUSION Discussion with a HCP about fertility concerns, and satisfaction with the discussion, was associated with reports of lower patient distress, greater knowledge and understanding of the consequences of cancer on fertility, involvement in the decision making process about fertility preservation, and satisfaction with health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane M. Ussher
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South, 2751 Australia
| | - Chloe Parton
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South, 2751 Australia
| | - Janette Perz
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South, 2751 Australia
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Longitudinal Reciprocal Relationships Between Quality of Life and Coping Strategies Among Women with Breast Cancer. Ann Behav Med 2017; 50:775-783. [PMID: 27272631 DOI: 10.1007/s12160-016-9803-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on quality of life (QoL) among women with breast cancer has often examined the impact of coping strategies on QoL. However, the transactional model of stress and coping would argue that QoL can impact coping. This reciprocal relationship between QoL and coping has been inadequately studied. PURPOSE This study examined reciprocal relationships over 18 months between QoL and coping (positive and negative coping) among women with breast cancer. METHODS Three-wave cross-lagged structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis was used over three timepoints post-diagnosis (T1-T3; N = 637, 577, 553, respectively). RESULTS SEM results revealed a significant reciprocal relationship between negative coping and QoL, indicating that negative coping predicted subsequent QoL, which in turn predicted later negative coping. Although QoL at cancer diagnosis predicted subsequent positive coping, we did not find a reciprocal relation between QoL and positive coping. CONCLUSION Findings expand our knowledge of the relation between QoL and coping by suggesting the reciprocal relationship between negative coping and QoL among women with breast cancer.
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Barani M, Bakhtiari M, Firoozabadi VS, Mehdizadeh M, Sadeghi A. An Evaluation of Adjuvant Psychological Therapy (APT) Effectiveness on the Quality of Life of Patients with Hematologic Malignancies. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-017-9716-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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15
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Di Tella M, Tesio V, Ghiggia A, Romeo A, Colonna F, Fusaro E, Geminiani GC, Bruzzone M, Torta R, Castelli L. Coping strategies and perceived social support in fibromyalgia syndrome: Relationship with alexithymia. Scand J Psychol 2017; 59:167-176. [PMID: 29110306 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by high levels of psychological distress and alexithymia, a personality disposition affecting emotional self-awareness. The main aim of the present study was to investigate for the first time the relationship between alexithymia and coping strategies on the one hand, and alexithymia and perceived social support on the other, in a sample of FM patients. To reach this aim, 153 FM patients completed a battery of tests assessing coping strategies, perceived social support, alexithymia, psychological distress and pain intensity. Four regression analyses were performed to assess whether alexithymia was still a significant predictor of coping strategies and perceived social support, after controlling for psychological distress. High levels of both psychological distress and alexithymia were found in our sample of FM patients. Regarding coping strategies, FM patients reported higher scores on problem-focused coping, with respect to the other two coping strategies. The regression analyses showed that the externally-oriented thinking factor of alexithymia significantly explained both problem- and emotion-focused coping, while the difficulty-describing feelings factor of alexithymia proved to be a significant predictor of perceived social support. Only the variance of dysfunctional coping ceased to be uniquely explained by alexithymia (difficulty identifying feelings factor), after controlling for psychological distress, particularly anxiety. These results highlight a negative relationship between alexithymia and both the use of effective coping strategies and the levels of perceived social support in FM patients. An adequate assessment of both alexithymia and psychological distress should therefore be included in clinical practice with these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ada Ghiggia
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Colonna
- A.O.U. 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrico Fusaro
- A.O.U. 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Giuliano Carlo Geminiani
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,A.O.U. 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Bruzzone
- A.O.U. 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Riccardo Torta
- A.O.U. 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, Turin, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Lorys Castelli
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Khalil GE, Beale IL, Chen M, Prokhorov AV. A Video Game Promoting Cancer Risk Perception and Information Seeking Behavior Among Young-Adult College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Serious Games 2016; 4:e13. [PMID: 27470927 PMCID: PMC4981692 DOI: 10.2196/games.5793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Risky behaviors tend to increase drastically during the transition into young adulthood. This increase may ultimately facilitate the initiation of carcinogenic processes at a young age, highlighting a serious public health problem. By promoting information seeking behavior (ISB), young adults may become aware of cancer risks and potentially take preventive measures. Objective Based on the protection motivation theory, the current study seeks to evaluate the impact of challenge in a fully automated video game called Re-Mission on young adult college students' tendency to perceive the severity of cancer, feel susceptible to cancer, and engage in ISB. Methods A total of 216 young adults were recruited from a university campus, consented, screened, and randomized in a single-blinded format to 1 of 3 conditions: an intervention group playing Re-Mission at high challenge (HC; n=85), an intervention group playing Re-Mission at low challenge (LC; n=81), and a control group with no challenge (NC; presented with illustrated pictures of Re-Mission; n=50). Measurement was conducted at baseline, immediate posttest, 10-day follow-up, and 20-day follow-up. Repeated-measures mixed-effect models were conducted for data analysis of the main outcomes. Results A total of 101 young adults continued until 20-day follow-up. Mixed-effect models showed that participants in the HC and LC groups were more likely to increase in perceived susceptibility to cancer (P=.03), perceived severity of cancer (P=.02), and ISB (P=.01) than participants in the NC group. The LC group took until 10-day follow-up to show increase in perceived susceptibility (B=0.47, standard error (SE) 0.16, P=.005). The HC group showed an immediate increase in perceived susceptibility at posttest (B=0.43, SE 0.14, P=.002). The LC group exhibited no changes in perceived severity (B=0.40, SE 0.33, P=.24). On the other hand, the HC group showed a significant increase from baseline to posttest (B=0.39, SE 0.14, P=.005), maintaining this increase until 20-day follow-up (B=−0.007, SE 0.26, P=.98). Further analyses indicated that perceived threat from virtual cancer cells in the game is related to the increase in perceived severity (B=0.1, SE 0.03, P=.001), and perceived susceptibility is related to changes in ISB at 10-day follow-up (B=0.21, SE 0.08, P=.008). Conclusions The feature of challenge with cancer cells in a virtual environment has the potential to increase cancer risk perception and ISB. The results are promising considering that the Re-Mission intervention was neither designed for cancer risk communication, nor applied among healthy individuals. Further research is needed to understand the theoretical framework underlying the effects of Re-Mission on ISB. The findings call for the development of a Web-based, game-based intervention for cancer risk communication and information seeking among young adults. ClinicalTrial International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN): 15789289; http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN15789289 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6jGYZC3lZ)
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges Elias Khalil
- The M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Texas, Houston, TX, United States.
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Jensen JD, Liu M, Carcioppolo N, John KK, Krakow M, Sun Y. Health information seeking and scanning among US adults aged 50–75 years: Testing a key postulate of the information overload model. Health Informatics J 2016; 23:96-108. [DOI: 10.1177/1460458215627290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Past research has found that older US adults (aged 50–75 years) exhibit high levels of cancer information overload and cancer worry; however, no study to date has examined whether these perceptions are related to information seeking/scanning. To explore this relationship, older adults ( N = 209, Mage = 55.56, SD = 4.24) were recruited to complete a survey measuring seeking, scanning, cancer information overload, and cancer worry. Most participants were high-scan/seekers (40.2%) followed by low-scan/seekers (21.1%), high-scan/no seekers (19.6%), and low-scan/no seekers (19.1%). Low-scan/no seekers had significantly higher cancer information overload compared to all other groups, consistent with the postulate that overload and seeking/scanning are negatively related. Low-scan/no seekers and high-scan/seekers both exhibited higher cancer worry severity, consistent with past research suggesting that cancer worry explains high levels of activity/inactivity.
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Fenlon D, Reed E, Blows E, Scanlon K, Wray J, Dewey A. Moving forward: a qualitative research inquiry to inform the development of a resource pack for women following primary breast cancer treatment. J Psychosoc Oncol 2015; 33:85-105. [PMID: 25415765 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2014.977414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
While the UK charity Breast Cancer Care has extensive resources for women with breast cancer, this research partnership developed the first resource driven and informed by primary research with these women, exploring their needs and developing the resource according to need. Data were collected from focus groups with breast cancer survivors and telephone interviews with health professionals and experts, which explored the needs of women after primary cancer treatment, and were analyzed using thematic analysis. As well as information, these women needed resources to help them regain control over life, adapt to a changed body, and restore lost confidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Fenlon
- a University of Southampton , Highfield , Southampton , UK
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Donovan KA, Gonzalez BD, Small BJ, Andrykowski MA, Jacobsen PB. Depressive symptom trajectories during and after adjuvant treatment for breast cancer. Ann Behav Med 2015; 47:292-302. [PMID: 24158626 DOI: 10.1007/s12160-013-9550-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The course of depressive symptoms during and after breast cancer treatment is not well understood. PURPOSE We identified patient subgroups based on distinct trajectories of depressive symptoms and determined whether subgroups could be distinguished by personal characteristics and coping strategies. METHODS Breast cancer patients completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale on clinically meaningful occasions and during the posttreatment period. The Illness Management Questionnaire was completed prior to treatment. RESULTS A three-class mixture model provided the best fit to the data. Subgroup membership was significantly (p < .05) associated with marital status, history of depression, and focusing on symptoms. In multivariate analysis, marital status and focusing on symptoms remained significant (p < .05) predictors of subgroup membership. CONCLUSIONS Distinct trajectories can be identified during and after adjuvant breast cancer therapy. Predictors of these trajectories have implications for addressing depressive symptoms in this clinical population and for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine A Donovan
- Health Outcomes and Behavior Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, MRC-PSY, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA,
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Juster RP, Ouellet É, Lefebvre-Louis JP, Sindi S, Johnson PJ, Smith NG, Lupien SJ. Retrospective coping strategies during sexual identity formation and current biopsychosocial stress. ANXIETY STRESS AND COPING 2015; 29:119-38. [DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2015.1004324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Trudel JG, Leduc N, Dumont S. Perceived communication between physicians and breast cancer patients as a predicting factor of patients' health-related quality of life: a longitudinal analysis. Psychooncology 2013; 23:531-8. [DOI: 10.1002/pon.3442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Revised: 08/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julie G. Trudel
- Behavioural Sciences and Health Research Division; University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg, Faculty of Nursing; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Nicole Leduc
- Département d'Administration de la santé, Faculté de médecine; Université de Montréal; Montréal Québec Canada
| | - Serge Dumont
- École de service social, Pavillon Charles De-Koninck; Université Laval; Québec Canada
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McLaughlin B, Yoo W, D'Angelo J, Tsang S, Shaw B, Shah D, Baker T, Gustafson D. It is out of my hands: how deferring control to God can decrease quality of life for breast cancer patients. Psychooncology 2013; 22:2747-54. [PMID: 23913722 DOI: 10.1002/pon.3356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Revised: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This paper seeks to contribute to the understanding of how and why religion affects psychosocial health outcomes. We propose a theoretical model predicting that when women with breast cancer defer control to God they will experience fewer breast cancer related concerns. Deferring control to God, however, should also reduce the likelihood that they take a proactive coping approach, which will be exacerbated by lowered breast cancer concerns. We therefore predict that this passive coping style will ultimately result in lower levels of quality of life. METHODS Data were collected as part of a randomized clinical trial funded by the National Cancer Institute. A total of 192 women with breast cancer participated in a computer-mediated social support group. Deferring control to God statements were captured by using computer-aided content analysis of discussion posts. Psychosocial outcomes were measured using longitudinal survey data. Analysis was performed using structural equation modeling. RESULTS The results of our analysis largely confirm our mediation model for which we find significant model fit. As predicted, deferring control to God leads to lower levels of breast cancer concerns but also to more passive coping styles. Ultimately, deferring control to God can lead to lower levels of quality of life. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates how and why religious coping can lead to both positive and negative psychosocial health outcomes. Health care practitioners should encourage patients who are relying on religion to keep their end of the bargain and maintain an active coping style.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan McLaughlin
- School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Davis C, Rust C, Darby K. Coping skills among African-American breast cancer survivors. SOCIAL WORK IN HEALTH CARE 2013; 52:434-448. [PMID: 23701577 DOI: 10.1080/00981389.2012.742482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Women with a diagnosis of breast cancer, particularly African-American women, face multiple barriers to survival. Although research exists regarding the unique barriers faced by African-American breast cancer survivors, there has been little research into the various coping needs or coping strategies used among African-American women. The purpose of this article is to provide information from an exploratory study of data investigating the coping skills of 30 African-American women diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. Quantitative data was collected via a self-report questionnaire based on the pretest of the Breast Cancer Survivors Toolbox. The study sample was evaluated to determine overall coping skills followed by an analysis of individual categories of coping skills (e.g., communication, information seeking, negotiating, social support systems, cultural norms). Although limited by the non-random sampling technique and self-report, the results of the study support the need for further research regarding the use of interventions and strategies tailored to improve coping skills used by this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Davis
- College of Social Work, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.
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Cousson-Gélie F, Sordes-Ader F. Psychologie de la santé et cancers : quels apports et quelles perspectives ? PSYCHOLOGIE FRANCAISE 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.psfr.2012.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Matsuyama RK, Wilson-Genderson M, Kuhn L, Moghanaki D, Vachhani H, Paasche-Orlow M. Education level, not health literacy, associated with information needs for patients with cancer. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2011; 85:e229-e236. [PMID: 21543182 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2011.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2010] [Revised: 03/25/2011] [Accepted: 03/28/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cancer patients receiving adjuvant therapy encounter increasingly complex situations and decisions with each new procedure and therapy. To make informed decisions about care, they need to be able to access, process, and understand information. Individuals with limited health literacy may not be able to obtain or understand important information about their cancer and treatment. The rate of low health literacy has been shown to be higher among African Americans than among non-Hispanic Whites. This study examined the associations between race, health literacy, and self-reported needs for information about disease, diagnostic tests, treatments, physical care, and psychosocial resources. METHODS Measures assessing information needs were administered to 138 newly diagnosed cancer patients. Demographics were assessed by survey and health literacy was assessed with two commonly used measures: the Rapid Estimate Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) and the Short Test of Health Literacy in Adults (STOFHLA). RESULTS Study findings indicate that educational attainment, rather than health literacy, is a significant predictor of information needs. CONCLUSION Overcoming barriers to information needs may be less dependent on literacy considerations and more dependent on issues that divide across levels of educational attainment. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Oncologists and hospital staff should be attentive to the fact that many patients require additional assistance to meet their information needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin K Matsuyama
- Department of Social & Behavioral Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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Cousson-Géalie F, Bruchon-Schweitzer M, Atzeni T, Houede N. Evaluation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Social Support Perceived Control, Coping Strategies, Emotional Distress, and Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Patients. Psychol Rep 2011; 108:923-42. [DOI: 10.2466/02.07.15.20.pr0.108.3.923-942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to demonstrate that a specific psychosocial intervention changes reactions to cancer and quality of life. This study was carried out on 66 patients with a first breast cancer. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: a specific intervention group (G1, 8 sessions) or a support group (G2, 8 sessions). A control group (G3) was composed of patients who refused to participate in psychological intervention. Social support, perceived control, repression of emotions, coping strategies, emotional distress, and quality of life were assessed one week before (T1) and at the end (T2) of the psychological intervention. Results showed that G1 did not have significantly modified quality of life or psychological scores. Patients of G2 had poorer emotional quality of life, use of internal causal attributions, and minimized their illness at T1 as compared to patients of G3. At Time 2 these differences were not observed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thierry Atzeni
- Laboratory of Health Psychology and Quality of Life, University Bordeaux Segalen
| | - Nadine Houede
- Regional Center of Fight Against Cancer, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux
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Steffens RF, Wright HR, Hester MY, Andrykowski MA. Clinical, demographic, and situational factors linked to distress associated with benign breast biopsy. J Psychosoc Oncol 2011; 29:35-50. [PMID: 21240724 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2011.534024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Benign breast biopsy (BBB) can be distressing for many women. Few studies have examined specific aspects of the BBB more or less distressing or risk factors for distress. Women (N = 51) who had a recent BBB reported the magnitude of distress associated with specific aspects of their experience. Clinical and demographic variables were also examined as risk factors for distress. All women reported some distress associated with the BBB with one third reporting their experience was "very stressful." Generally, biopsy-specific events were more distressing than follow-up mammography. Distress risk factors included younger age, less education, nonsurgical biopsy, and no family history of breast cancer. Clinical efforts to better manage biopsy-related distress are warranted. The authors identified clinical and demographic risk factors that furnish a simple, efficient, and potentially cost-effective means of stratifying risk for distress in the breast biopsy setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel F Steffens
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536-0086, USA.
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Silva S, Bettencourt D, Moreira H, Canavarro MC. Qualidade de vida de mulheres com cancro da mama nas diversas fases da doença: o papel de variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas e das estratégias de coping enquanto factores de risco/protecção. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s0870-9025(11)70009-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Rimal RN, Juon HS. Use of the Risk Perception Attitude Framework for Promoting Breast Cancer Prevention. JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1559-1816.2009.00574.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Eheman CR, Berkowitz Z, Lee J, Mohile S, Purnell J, Rodriguez EM, Roscoe J, Johnson D, Kirshner J, Morrow G. Information-seeking styles among cancer patients before and after treatment by demographics and use of information sources. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2009; 14:487-502. [PMID: 19657928 PMCID: PMC3024551 DOI: 10.1080/10810730903032945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The type and quantity of information needed varies between patients who actively seek information and those who tend to avoid information.We analyzed data from a longitudinal study of adult cancer patients from outpatient clinics for whom information needs and behaviors were assessed by survey before and after treatment. We evaluated the relationships between information-seeking style (active, moderately active, and passive styles) and demographics, cancer type, and health status for the pretreatment and posttreatment periods and overall. The generalized estimating equations (GEE) approach was used to model the log odds of more active to more passive information-seeking preferences taking into consideration both the pretreatment and posttreatment periods. Analyses included 731 case participants, including female breast cancer patients (51%), male genitourinary cancer patients (18%), and lung cancer patients of both sexes (10%). At pretreatment, 17% reported an active information-seeking style, 69% were moderately active, and 14% were passive. During this period, 19% of those with at least some college education reported being very active compared with 14% of those with less education. With adjustment for all other covariates, male genitourinary and lung cancer patients had a higher odds of having a more active information-seeking style in the pretreatment than in the posttreatment period, with an odds of 4.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.4-8.4) and 5.4 (95% CI: 2.7-10.6), respectively. Controlling for all covariates, breast cancer patients had 1.5 (95% CI: 1.0-2.1) times higher odds of being more active in seeking information than other patients. Public health researchers and clinicians must work together to develop the most effective strategy for meeting the informational needs of these patients before and after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christie R Eheman
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341-3724, USA.
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Yang HC, Brothers BM, Andersen BL. Stress and quality of life in breast cancer recurrence: moderation or mediation of coping? Ann Behav Med 2008; 35:188-97. [PMID: 18347897 DOI: 10.1007/s12160-008-9016-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Diagnosis with breast cancer recurrence often brings high levels of stress. Successful coping to alleviate stress could improve patients' quality of life (QoL). The intervening role coping plays between stress and QoL may depend on the types of stress encountered and the types of coping strategies used. The present study investigates the longitudinal relationships between stress, coping, and mental health QoL. METHODS Breast cancer patients recently diagnosed with recurrence (N = 65) were assessed shortly after the diagnosis and 4 months later. Four moderation and four mediation models were tested using hierarchical multiple regressions and path analyses. In the models, either traumatic stress or symptom-related stress at recurrence diagnosis was a predictor of mental health QoL at follow-up. Both engagement and disengagement coping strategies were tested as moderators or mediators between stress and QoL. RESULTS Engagement coping moderated the effect of symptom stress on mental health QoL, whereas disengagement coping mediated the effects of both traumatic stress and symptom stress on mental health QoL. CONCLUSION The findings imply that interventions teaching engagement coping strategies would be important for patients experiencing high symptom stress, while discouraging the use of disengagement coping strategies would be important for all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Chung Yang
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, 1835 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210-1222, USA
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Gotay CC, Ransom S, Pagano IS. Quality of life in survivors of multiple primary cancers compared with cancer survivor controls. Cancer 2007; 110:2101-9. [PMID: 17823915 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.23005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer survivors may develop additional cancers after their first diagnosis, but to the authors' knowledge the quality of life (QOL) consequences of a second cancer are not known. The current study assessed QOL and its correlates after a second cancer diagnosis. METHODS QOL was compared between 487 survivors of second-order and higher-order primary cancer diagnoses, and a matched group of 589 survivors of a single cancer diagnosis. Outcome measures included standardized questionnaires that assessed depressive symptoms, perceived stress, vitality, post-traumatic growth, existential well-being, sexual adjustment, and global QOL. RESULTS Survivors of multiple primary cancer diagnoses had significantly lower global QOL (t (792) = 5.42; P < .001), vitality (Student t test [t] (794) = 2.41; P < .01), and existential well-being (t (775) = 2.78; P < .01), and higher intrusive stress symptoms (t (775) = -1.93; P < .05). Controlling for demographic, medical, and trait-like psychosocial characteristics (eg, optimism and resilience), having multiple primary cancer diagnoses explained small, although significant, variances in global QOL (coefficient of determination [R(2)] = .04; P < .001), vitality (R(2) = .01; P < .05), and existential well-being (R(2) = .01; P < .05), with patients in the multiple primary cancer group faring worse on all of these measures. CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study suggest that the typical survivor of multiple primary cancers experiences modest but lasting QOL deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn C Gotay
- Prevention and Control Program, Cancer Research Center of Hawaii, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, USA.
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Abstract
Seeking information about one's health is increasingly documented as a key coping strategy in health-promotive activities and psychosocial adjustment to illness. In this article, the authors critically examine the scientific literature from 1982 to 2006 on the concept of health information-seeking behavior (HISB) to determine its level of maturity and clarify the concept's essential characteristics. A principle-based method of concept analysis provides the framework for exploring the nature of HISB. The authors reviewed approximately 100 published articles and five books reporting on HISB. Although HISB is a popular concept used in various contexts, most HISB definitions provide little insight into the concept's specific meanings. The authors describe the concept's characteristics, contributing to a clearer understanding of HISB, and discuss operationalizations, antecedents, and outcomes of HISB. Such an analysis of HISB might guide further theorizing on this highly relevant concept and assist health care providers in designing optimal informational interventions.
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Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To explore the relationships between patterns of affective word use (words with positive or negative connotations) in expressive writing conducted over four consecutive days and quality of life (QOL) three months after the writing exercise in women with metastatic breast cancer. DESIGN Descriptive, correlational. SETTING Six clinical sites in New England. SAMPLE 68 women with metastatic breast cancer. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Patterns of positive and negative affective word use and QOL. METHODS Usage patterns of affective words in expressive writing were identified through the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC). Relationships between patterns of affective word use and QOL were explored. QOL was measured at baseline and three months after the writing exercise by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast. Correlations between patterns of word use and QOL were investigated using general linear regression. FINDINGS A significant relationship was found between positive-affect word use and emotional well-being. Manual scoring of 10 expressive writing texts to validate LIWC data identified a significant difference between LIWC and manual counts for negative language. Contextual evaluation suggested marked ambivalence in how the women wrote about cancer. CONCLUSIONS A positive relationship between affective language in disclosure and QOL was demonstrated, illustrating a cognitive process occurring in expressive writing. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING The findings suggest that expressive writing is a positive, helpful intervention for patients with cancer attempting to reintegrate the experience in life. Nurses should gain deeper understanding of underlying cognitive processes of disclosure to identify the most effective manner in which to use such interventions.
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Andrykowski MA, Beacham AO, Jacobsen PB. Prospective, longitudinal study of leisure-time exercise in women with early-stage breast cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007; 16:430-8. [PMID: 17372237 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-06-0735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical activity can have a beneficial effect on both physical and mental health in cancer survivors. However, evidence from cross-sectional and/or retrospective research suggests that cancer treatment can be associated with both short- and long-term reductions in physical activity. A prospective, longitudinal research design was used to examine the trajectory of leisure-time exercise in early-stage breast cancer patients from two treatment centers (n = 231). Participation in mild, moderate, and strenuous leisure-time exercise was assessed before, during, and following completion of adjuvant radiotherapy (n = 136) or chemotherapy + radiation (n = 95). Results indicated significant decreases, relative to pre-diagnosis baseline, in total estimated weekly metabolic equivalents and minutes of leisure-time exercise during adjuvant therapy for both the radiotherapy and chemotherapy + radiation groups. However, activity levels seemed to quickly recover and did not differ from pre-diagnosis baseline at assessments 2 and 6 months following completion of adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy + radiation. Although suggesting little effect of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment on participation in leisure-time exercise at 6-month follow-up, these group analyses obscure the fact that a large number of individuals (35.5%) exhibited clinically significant change, both decreases or increases, in total weekly metabolic equivalents between pre-diagnosis baseline and 6-month follow-up. Fostering appropriate participation in physical activity in cancer patients and survivors is likely to be enhanced by better understanding of the beliefs and motivations that underlie spontaneous changes in participation in leisure-time exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Andrykowski
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536-0086, USA.
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Ong L, Cribbie R, Harris L, Dorian P, Newman D, Mangat I, Nolan R, Irvine J. Psychological Correlates of Quality of Life in Atrial Fibrillation. Qual Life Res 2006; 15:1323-33. [PMID: 16826433 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-006-0029-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with significant health-related quality of life (QoL) impairments. Markers of heart disease severity have explained little variance in QoL and it is unclear what other factors will better account for the observed differences in adjustment. We examined whether specific personality traits and illness management styles would help explain the severity of QoL impairments reported in this population. METHODS Patients with AF (N = 93) completed validated questionnaires measuring disease burden (dependent variables: physical and mental QoL, symptom severity, psychological distress), personality (independent variables: anxiety sensitivity, optimism), and illness management style (mediating variable: symptom preoccupation). Hypothesized relationships were evaluated using mediation models. RESULTS Anxiety sensitivity was associated with poorer physical and mental QoL, greater symptom severity, and higher distress. Optimism was correlated with better mental QoL and lower distress, but unrelated to physical QoL and symptom severity. Symptom preoccupation significantly mediated the relationships between anxiety sensitivity and each of the QoL measures, as well as the relationships between optimism and mental well-being. CONCLUSIONS Personality traits and illness management styles are important to consider when assessing the impact of AF on QoL. The data support a cognitive-behavioral model that explains the direct and indirect relationships between psychological predictors and multiple indices of QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lephuong Ong
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada.
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