Factors Influencing the Psychological Adjustment to Cancer among Elderly Patients-Perception of Physical Symptoms, Physical Condition, and Self-efficacy

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the factors influencing the psychological adjustment to cancer among elderly patients, with specific focus on their perception of physical symptoms, physical condition, and self-efficacy Methods: The subjects were 52 elderly cancer patients (age, >65 years). The data were collected using Questionnaires based on the following scales: the self-efficacy scale for advanced cancer, the Japanese edition of the Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS). Kendall's tau correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were performed to statistically assess the above-mentioned factors. Results: A significant positive relationship was noted between the patients' "Fighting Spirit" and their physical condition and self-efficacy. However, a significant negative relationship was noted between the "Helpless/Hopelessness" and the patient's physical condition, perception of physical symptoms, and self-efficacy. In addition, "Helpless/Hopelessness" seemed to be influenced by the patient's physical condition and perception of physical symptoms (R2 = 0.55, R = 0.74). Conclusion: Our results suggested that to improve the feeling of hopelessness among elderly patients, nursing care should be designed on the basis of their physical condition and perception of their physical symptoms.