Transitoriness in cancer patients [Poster]

Zumstein-Shaha, Maya; Pandian, Vinciya; Choti, Michael A.; Stotsky, Eden; Herman, Joseph M.; Khan, Yasmin; Libonati, Carol.; Schulick, Richard D.; Pawlik, Timothy M.; Belcher, Anne E. (2008). Transitoriness in cancer patients [Poster] In: American Society of Clinical Oncology, Gastrointestinal Cancer Symposium. Orlando, FL: ASCO - American Society of Clinical Oncology, Gastrointestinal Cancer Symposium.

Problem and Purpose: Being diagnosed with cancer engenders a confrontation with the finitude of life (transitoriness), uncertainty and changes in locus of control. Transitoriness can be defined as a person’s confrontation with the finitude of human existence brought about by a terminal cancer diagnosis. It adversely influences patients’quality of life. Uncertainty negatively impacts quality of life; locus of control influences one’s level of anxiety and depression. A cancer diagnosis results in difficulty in envisioning a future after the cancer diagnosis, and influences subsequent ways of coping with the disease. Since the relationships between these concepts have only been studied in part, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) and lung cancer. Significance: Investigating these associations in cancer patients will enhance understanding of their coping. A targeted intervention to better support GI and lung cancer patients in their experience of transitoriness can then be developed. Methods and Analysis: With approval of the Institutional Review Board of a large teaching facility in the United States, a total of 126 patients with GI and lung cancer were enrolled. Demographic data, including information about symptoms and their spiritual perspective were obtained and patients completed five questionnaires assessing the levels of transitoriness, uncertainty, locus of control, and quality of life. Descriptive and correlation analyses were conducted using SPSS 9 and Stata Intercooled 9. Findings and Implications: Overall, the quality of life of the 126 patients was slightly lower than medium (Mean µ=41.56, Stan. Dev. sd=9.08) with medium levels of transitoriness (µ=75.65, sd=13.40), uncertainty (µ=87.31, sd=10.41), and locus of control (µ=17.09, sd=6.68). Significant inverse associations were found between uncertainty (r=-0.493, p=0.000), transitoriness (r=-0.536, p=0.000 for state; and r=-0.463, p=0.000 for trait), locus of control (r=-0251, p=0.005 for Form B; and r=0.182, p=0.042 for Form C) and quality of life. No differences were found across patients with differing types of cancer. Therefore, transitoriness, uncertainty, and locus of control are key issues to be considered in the care of GI and lung cancer patients.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Poster)
Division/Institute:	School of Health Professions School of Health Professions > Nursing
Name:	Zumstein-Shaha, Maya0000-0003-4253-3123; Pandian, Vinciya; Choti, Michael A.; Stotsky, Eden; Herman, Joseph M.; Khan, Yasmin; Libonati, Carol.; Schulick, Richard D.; Pawlik, Timothy M. and Belcher, Anne E.
Publisher:	ASCO - American Society of Clinical Oncology, Gastrointestinal Cancer Symposium.
Language:	English
Submitter:	Maya Zumstein-Shaha
Date Deposited:	04 Mar 2021 08:42
Last Modified:	22 May 2023 14:36
Related URLs:	Publisher
Additional Information:	Date: 2008
URI:	https://arbor.bfh.ch/id/eprint/12512