Sense of coherence, general self-efficacy and health behaviors in women after mastectomy

Sylwia Michałowska,Magdalena Bogucka

doi:10.12740/app/137061

Abstract

Aim of the studyThe aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the sense of coherence, general self-efficacy and health behaviors in women after mastectomy.Subject or material and methods62 post-mastectomy female members of the “Amazonka” association in Szczecin and Piła completed The Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-29), The General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), The Health Behavior Inventory (IZZ), the Personal Values List (LWO) and a self-designed questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics package.ResultsStatistically significant, positive correlations were observed between sense of coherence and health behaviors, and sense of coherence and positive mental attitude. Perceived support from family/friends was linked to health behaviors. There were significant positive correlations between general self-efficacy, health behaviors and positive mental attitude. No links were found between the value attributed to health and manifested health behaviors in women after mastectomy.DiscussionOur research suggests that stronger sense of coherence correlates with higher scores in terms of health behaviors and positive mental attitude. To a certain extent, this remains in line with Antonovsky's assumption that the sense of coherence affects the ways individuals use their resources, motivates to take action and helps maintain a positive attitude.ConclusionsThe sense of coherence and general self-efficacy were significantly related to health behaviors in women after mastectomy.

Highlights

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer and the main cause of death in women
We formulated the following specific hypotheses: a) A higher sense of coherence is associated with a higher level of health behaviors in women after mastectomy; b) A higher level of self-efficacy is associated with a higher level of health behaviors in women after mastectomy; c) Greater value attributed to health correlates with a higher level of health behaviors in women after mastectomy; MATERIAL AND METHOD
Our results show that strong sense of coherence and general self-efficacy can have a positive impact on a healthy lifestyle and can be reflected in a positive mental attitude, resulting in a greater satisfaction with one’s life

Summary

Introduction

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer and the main cause of death in women. A surgical procedure consisting in the removal of the breast. From a psychological point of view, the experience of cancer and the consequences of surgical and medical interventions, in particular mastectomy, seem to be important for the assessment of patients’ functioning. This results from a specific emotional burden of cancer, especially breast cancer. As an element of the treatment process, resulting directly from the disease itself, mastectomy may involve various changes affecting both the physical and mental functioning of patients. Factors considered important for the assessment of the health and well-being of female cancer patients are their health behaviors and lifestyle choices

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