Abstract
There are several factors that threaten the dignity of cancer patients in hospital settings. However, there is limited literature regarding the degree to which dignity of cancer patients is actually respected in daily clinical practice. The aims of this study were therefore to explore cancer patient perceptions of respecting their dignity and related variables in an Iranian cancer specific center. This descriptive-correlational study was carried out among 250 cancer patients admitted to a cancer specific center in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. These patients were selected using a convenience sampling method. The Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI) was used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The patients' scores in 18 out of 25 items of PDI were 3 or greater which indicate the importance of considering these items in clinical settings. Also, the score of patients in three sub-scales of PDI including illness-related concerns, personal dignity, and social dignity were 74, 65 and 57, respectively (based on a total 100). The overall score of PDI was statistically associated with age, history of disease recurrence, education, employment and economic status of participants. According to the study findings the dignity of Iranian cancer patients is not completely respected in clinical settings which require special considerations. As nurses spend more time at patients' bedsides, they have an important role in maintaining and promoting dignified care.
Highlights
IntroductionCancer diagnosis is accompanied by lots of complications for patients
In addition to death, cancer diagnosis is accompanied by lots of complications for patients
According to the study findings the dignity of Iranian cancer patients is not completely respected in clinical settings which require special considerations
Summary
Cancer diagnosis is accompanied by lots of complications for patients. The most negative consequences of cancer include but not limited to anxiety and fear, doubt about belief and religious values, impaired identity and body image, sleep disorders and role function problems (Esmaeili et al, 2012; De Sousa et al, 2012; Afrooz et al, 2014). All of these problems as well as, financial distress, marital issues and ambiguity regarding the future can led to patients’ perception of lack of respected dignity (Chochinov et al, 2007; Fathollahzade et al, 2014; Ghasempour et al, 2014). As nurses spend more time at patients’ bedsides, they have an important role in maintaining and promoting dignified care
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