Psychosocial determinants of well-being in gynecologic cancer patients

Author(s): Lalos, A.

Journal/Book: Cancer Nurs. 1999; 22: 227 East Washington Sq, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 303-306.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the well-being of women with endometrial versus cervical cancer before treatment and its determinants at 12 to 15 months follow-up. The subjects were interviewed before treatment, then 6 and 12 to 15 months after initiation of treatment. Simultaneously, they completed questionnaires on psychological symptoms and social support. It appeared that well-being at baseline and at the follow-ups were highly correlated. Furthermore, cervical cancer patients reported significantly more symptoms on all occasions. After discriminant function analysis, the following three variables remained in the analysis: (a) well-being before treatment, (b) diagnosis,, and (c) children at home. This allowed 81% of the patients to be classified as having a favorable versus an unfavorable outcome. The results of this study highlight the importance of well-being before treatment us a predictor of well-being after treatment The necessity of individualized intervention measures is warranted.

Note: Article Lalos A, Umea Univ Hosp, Dept Obstet & Gynaecol, S-90185 Umea, SWEDEN

Keyword(s): cervical cancer; endometrial cancer; psychosocial; well-being; QUALITY-OF-LIFE; ENDOMETRIAL; BEHAVIOR; WOMEN

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