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

암환자의 대응양식에 따른 자가간호행위 비교연구

  • Oh, Pok-Ja (Department of Nursing, Sahmyook University)
  • Received : 2009.06.21
  • Accepted : 2009.07.24
  • Published : 2009.08.31

Abstract

Purpose: This study was to compare the differences in self-care behaviors between the group with fighting spirit and the group with helplessness. Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional descriptive design. A total of 97 ambulatory cancer patients completed the Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC) scale by Watson et al. (1988) and Self Care Behaviors Scale by Oh et al. (1997). The data was analysed using frequency, percentage, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation and stepwise multiple regression. Results: Fighting spirit group were found to conduct self-care behaviors more compared to the helplessness group (t=3.346, p<.0001). The score of the self-care behaviors in fighting spirit group was 4.42 out of a total score of 7 and that of helplessness group was 3.85. There was a significant difference (p<.0001) in self-care behaviors according to the level of faith and performance status. Fighting spirit ($R^2$=0.120, p<.0001), performance status ($R^2$=0.078, p=.001) were predictive of self-care behaviors. Conclusion: Cancer patients' mental adjustment is correlated with the degree of self-care behaviors. Having fighting spirit is one of the most adaptive techniques that cancer patients could use in adjustment to the life with cancer.

Keywords

References

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