Pain beliefs of cancer patients and associated factors

Abstract

The aim is to determine the pain beliefs and related factors of cancer patients. The study was designed as a descriptive and analytical type. It was completed between January and June 2019 with 100 individuals who were 18 years of age or older, who were receiving chemotherapy, and who agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected using a patient information form, a pain assessment form, and the Pain Beliefs Scale. In the results of the regression analysis, the psychological belief scores of those who acted nervously were statistically 0.408 points higher than those who acted calmly. Organic beliefs scores were statistically 0.814 points and 0.599 points higher in basically literate and primary school graduates, respectively, compared to university graduates. They were 0.372 points higher for those whose income was less than their expenditure compared to those whose income was balanced with their expenditure, 0.414 points higher in those who had experienced pain in the last 6 months compared to those who had not, and 0.561 points higher in those who did not use non-pharmacological methods in pain control compared to those who did. Those who expressed pain verbally were found to have points that were 0.447 higher than those who did not say they had pain. Based on the results obtained, it is recommended that cancer patients be given training that will improve self-management and self-efficacy with cognitive-behavioral methods, taking into account their pain beliefs and affecting factors, in order for them to be successful in pain management.