Psycho-emotional state and quality of life characteristics in women with post-mastectomy syndrome with different types of attitude to the disease

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of the study was to determine the pattern of the psycho-emotional state and quality of life in women with post-mastectomy syndrome with different types of attitude to the disease at the dispensary stage of rehabilitation.MethodsTheoretical analysis of literature sources; sociological methods (surveys); mathematical statistical methods. An interview of 115 women with late symptoms of post-mastectomy syndrome was conducted with the use of 3 validated questionnaires: Type of Attitude towards the Disease, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Breast. The women had undergone surgical treatment and adjuvant radiation therapy for breast cancer.ResultsWomen with a rational type of attitude towards the disease were more likely to have significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.01) better indicators of physical well-being, emotional well-being, and functional well-being, as well as fewer manifestations of anxiety compared with those with intrapsychic and interpsychic attitudes.ConclusionsThe findings have shown that the revealed peculiarities of attitude towards the disease in patients with post-mastectomy syndrome justify the need for increased attention to their life quality indicators and psychological characteristics.