Yoke Yong Chen1, Mahadir Ahmad1, Fuad Bin Ismail2. 1. Health Psychology Program, School of Healthcare Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 2. Department of Radiology and Oncology, University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Hospital Canselor Tunku Muhriz, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Abstract
Aim: The present study investigated the relationship between psychological problems, illness acceptance and cancer-related complaints among Malaysian cancer patients. Patients & methods: One hundred and six cancer patients were recruited and were requested to complete validated self-reported questionnaires that measured their psychological distresses, sleep quality, pain, fatigue and illness acceptance. Results: There was a significant relationship between cancer-related symptoms, illness acceptance and psychological distresses commonly experienced by local cancer patients (p < 0.05). Illness acceptance was shown to be a mediator of cancer-related complaints and psychological distresses. Conclusion: Malaysian cancer patients with more cancer-related complaints reported a higher level of psychological distresses and poorer illness acceptance. Increased level of illness acceptance was suggested in managing cancer patients with psychological distresses and cancer-related complaints.
Aim: The present study investigated the relationship between psychological problems, illness acceptance and cancer-related complaints among Malaysian cancerpatients. Patients & methods: One hundred and six cancerpatients were recruited and were requested to complete validated self-reported questionnaires that measured their psychological distresses, sleep quality, pain, fatigue and illness acceptance. Results: There was a significant relationship between cancer-related symptoms, illness acceptance and psychological distresses commonly experienced by local cancerpatients (p < 0.05). Illness acceptance was shown to be a mediator of cancer-related complaints and psychological distresses. Conclusion: Malaysian cancerpatients with more cancer-related complaints reported a higher level of psychological distresses and poorer illness acceptance. Increased level of illness acceptance was suggested in managing cancerpatients with psychological distresses and cancer-related complaints.