Coping strategies of women with breast cancer seeking care at Black Lion Hospital, Department of Oncology, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Joint Event on Cancer Treatment & Breast Cancer and Biomarkers

March 20-21, 2019 Paris, France

Workinesh Daba Seboka,Tsion Alemu and Erdaw Tachbele

Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Cancer Sci Ther

Abstract :

Background: A diagnosis of breast cancer regardless of the stage can be stressful, impact multiple spheres of life, and disrupt physical status, emotional and spiritual well-being, and personal relationships for the patient and family. In order to adapt, the patient ought to employ certain coping mechanisms.

Objectives: The objective of the study is to assess the coping strategies of women with breast cancer in Black Lion Hospital, Oncology Department.

Methods: An institutional cross sectional survey was employed to collect data on coping strategies of women with breast cancer seeking care at Black Lion Hospital, Oncology Department, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from March to April, 2016. A structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect information from study participants. The data collection process was guided by an interviewer to gather information from the study participants. Data coding, entry and cleaning was accomplished using EpiData3.1 after which it was exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis.

Results: The results of this study showed the most commonly used coping strategies among women with breast cancer seeking care at Black Lion Hospital were self-distraction, planning, behavioural disengagement, and religion. It was found that coping with breast cancer was significantly associated with age less than 49 years which is five times more likely than with age greater than 50 years (AOR=4.582; CI=95%: 1.532-13.699). Married women were four times more likely to cope with breast cancer compared to unmarried women (AOR=3.601; CI=95%: 1.434-9.044). Being educated secondary school and above is associated four times more likely to cope with breast cancer than illiterates.

Conclusion: A diagnosis of breast cancer causes stress to the patients. Predominant coping strategies used were: self-distraction; planning; behavioural disengagement; and religion. The strategy employed influences adaptation to the diagnosis.

Biography :

Workinesh Daba Seboka has completed her BSc degree from School of Nursing and Midwifery, Addis Ababa University and Master of Public Health in Reproductive and Family Health from School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University. She is a Lecturer at Addis Ababa University - College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery. She has six years of work experience and an expert Midwife Professional.

E-mail: workinesh.daba@aau.edu.et

kennabayu@gmail.com