The relationship between illness uncertainty and coping style of breast cancer women undergoing chemotherapy

Abstract

Objective To explore the correlation between illness uncertainty and coping style of breast cancer women undergoing chemotherapy. Methods A descriptive and correlative design was employed. 147 breast cancer women undergoing chemotherapy were recruited in the study. Three instruments were used to collect data, including the demographic form, the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale for Adult (MUIS-A) and the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ). All information were statistically analyzed through SPSS 11.5. Results The score of illness uncertainty (87.46 ± 9.92) was negatively correlated with confrontation (19.63 ± 4.02) and avoidance (14.81 ± 2.26) (P＜0.01), and it was positively correlated with resignation (9.68±2.67) (P＜0.01). Conclusions The breast cancer women undergoing chemotherapy much adopted the confrontation and avoidance style have lower illness uncertainty, while those much adopted the resignation coping style have higher illness uncertainty. It is suggested that the medical staffs should instruct the breast cancer women undergoing chemotherapy use the effective coping style, so as to reduce the illness uncertainty and improve the physical and mental health. Key words: Breast cancer; Chemotherapy; Illness uncertainty; Coping