Psychological Well-Being of Elderly Women Who Early Survive Breast Cancer and its Associated Factors

Abstract

Background: Diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer (BC) adversely affect the psychological well-being (PWB) of elderly patients. Aim of the study: This study aims to describe the PWB of elderly women- survivors of (BC) and its associated factors. Subjects: A convenient sample of 163 old women undertaken treatment of BC was enclosed within the study.  Setting: This study was carried out at Mansoura University hospital (oncology center) in the outpatient clinics. Tools: Data collected included: Socio demographic and clinical data structured interview schedule. Psychological well-being was measured by the Arabic version of Ryff's Psychological Well-Being (RPWB) Scale. Religious activities were measured by the brief Arab religious coping Scale (BARCS). Results: Older women with breast cancer showed highly low mean scores (ranging from 21.7 to 25.6) within the six subscales of PWB. The mean scores of environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations and purpose in life vary significantly consistent with age groups of the participants, educational level. The mean scores of autonomy, positive relations and self-acceptance showed vital variation consistent with variety of work before retirement. The mean scores of autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, life purpose, and self-acceptance vary consistent with income level. On the other hand the mean scores of personal growth, positive relations, and self-acceptance subscales vary significantly consistent with presence or absence of co-morbidities. Religious–coping–activities have vital inverse, weak correlation with autonomy and vital positive, moderate correlations with environmental mastery, positive relations, and self-acceptance. Conclusion: This study concluded that the women with breast cancer have low PWB scores. Several factors are related to variation in PWB. Religious coping improves PWB of elderly women extant breast cancer in post-treatment phase. There is a space for improvement. Recommendations: Special attention should be paid to elderly women with impaired PWB during follow-up visits