Research question:

Would the nursing intervention, using Orem Self-Care theory as a framework, affect the coping ability of women with breast cancer during and following the radiation therapy.

Purpose:

Breast Cancer continues to be public health-problem all over the world. Patients with this disease may carry a heavy physical and emotional burden. The main purpose of this research: to develop a method that will help to reduce the perception of illness severity; maintain psychological adjustment and quality of life.

Sample:

2 groups: control & experimental, both consisted of 67 patients that were starting curative radiation therapy for breast cancer. Mean age of the patients in experimental group was 58 years. In control group- 61 y.

There were no significant differences between two groups in demographic variables (education, family situation) However, it was a significant difference in treatment dose and type of surgery.

Method:

• Experimental group: The goal of nursing care intervention is to make the patient independent from the nurse and restore his/her self-care ability to self care as soon as possible. Patient was provided with education about symptoms and side effects, support, guidance and provision of self care actions. Moreover, nursing interventions also included psychological support and strategies to deal with emotional reactions (anxiety, depression)

• Control group received standard nursing care as provided in the department.

Data collection:

- Data was collected at 3 intervals: before the radiation therapy, at the end of treatment, 3 months after.
- It was a qualitative research.
- Wheel Questionnaire was used to determine the coping strategies of groups in their situation.

Indexes of questionnaire:
1) Structure (the ability to differentiate between various factors. More differentiated or more ambiguous)
2) Motivation (degree of emotional involvement in the world)
3) Emotional balance (does the individual see only possibilities or obstacles or there is a balance between the two)
4) Coping (perceived control and influence on situation)

Results:

There is no effect of nursing intervention on coping ability of the patients.

Then, the researchers divided the sample into 2 age groups by median age of the sample (59 years). The repeated measure analysis showed that that people over 59 years of age have stronger motivation to be emotionally involved. Moreover, in experimental group the motivation was greater than in control group.

The lack of difference between 2 groups of patients under 59 years old can be explained because almost all of the patients from Controlled Group lived with their parents and relatives and had a lot of friends- so they were also emotionally motivated by them.

Conclusion: Satisfaction with social support is a very significant predictor of the severity of psychological effects of the disease and treatment.