Low Self-efficacy in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Self-efficacy is needed as a basis for action and is defined as a person’s ability to take care of himself in order to achieve the expected results. Breast cancer patients need good self-efficacy to undergo treatment, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to describe the characteristics of breast cancer patients and their relationship with self-efficacy during treatment at the Dharmais Cancer Hospital. The study design used was cross-sectional, involving 107 cancer patients through consecutive sampling. Self-efficacy was assessed using the Cancer Behavior Inventory (CBI) instrument. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. The results showed that as many as 69 respondents (64%) had low self-efficacy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed that age (p = 0.008), employment status (p = 0.026), monthly income (p = 0.000), and ward (p = 0.031) had significant relationship to self-efficacy. Self-efficacy describes the optimistic perception of cancer patients being able to overcome their cancer-related stressors. In probable or confirmed cases of COVID-19, most patients will fall into a state of psychological crisis, unstable emotions, rejection, anger, and non-compliance with treatment. Education and counseling regarding self-efficacy are needed in an effort to increase the self-efficacy of breast cancer patients undergoing treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic at Dharmais Cancer Hospital Jakarta.
 Keywords: self-efficacy, breast cancer, COVID-19