The effect of coping strategy on quality of life in patients with NSCLC

Abstract

BackgroundA cancer diagnosis is a source of emotional distress. The aim of the study was to evaluate coping strategies in patients with non-small-cell lung carcinoma and to assess how coping strategies along with other factors affect their quality of life.Patients and methodsA total of 185 patients with non-small-cell lung carcinoma were enrolled in this observational, cross-sectional study. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Strategies for coping with cancer were assessed using a shortened version of the Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MiniMAC) scale. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the Short Form-8 Health Survey.ResultsRespondents (mean age: 62.84±9.6 years) most often emerged as using a fighting strategy, whereas a sense of helplessness was the strategy used least often. Overall, 65% of the respondents were revealed to have a medium level of constructive style of coping, whereas 62% had a medium level of destructive style. The coping style of nearly 50% of the respondents was predominantly constructive. Patients whose coping style was predominantly constructive had a significantly higher level of quality of life than patients whose coping style was predominantly destructive or whose results showed a balance between the two coping styles. Lung cancer patients had higher scores on the mental functioning scale (mental component summary = 50.20±39.26) than on the physical functioning scale (physical component summary = 40.07±28.58).ConclusionThe majority of lung cancer patients use effective strategies for coping with the disease, which correlates with a better quality of life; a compromised quality of life is associated with a destructive coping style. Physicians should endeavor to promote positive, constructive, problem-oriented strategies of coping, especially in patients with a compromised quality of life, where the disease is advanced and when there are comorbidities.

Impact of COVID-19 on anxiety levels among patients with cancer actively treated with systemic therapy

“…Some studies show, however, that the majority of patients with lung cancer use effective strategies of coping with the disease, which correlates with a better quality of life, while a compromised quality of life is associated with a destructive coping style. 34 A constructive style of coping might efficiently decrease anxiety but this issue requires further investigation. Also, the study revealed a significant correlation between the score in the STAI questionnaire, CRA-NAS, SRA-NAS and SRA-FCV-19S with a destructive style of coping with cancer.…”

Psychological resilience and related influencing factors in postoperative non‐small cell lung cancer patients: A cross‐sectional study

“…34 Due to the self-neglect and physical degradation of the elderly, the risks of loneliness and psychological distress increase with age, while psychological resilience can effectively relieve these symptoms and improve the quality of life, which was a key factor for successful aging. 7,20,33,35 As part of personal social resources, higher incomes and better medical insurance can greatly reduce the psychology and financial stress caused by cancer diagnosis and treatment. It was found that social support had a positive effect on the psychological resilience in postoperative NSCLC patients, which was consistent with the results of Hu et al 36 Psychological resilience could exist as a mediating factor between social support and negative mood, 37 patients with high social support showed less postoperative pain and depression, and better psychology state.…”

“…19,21 Confrontation can help patients adapt to the stressful changes more effectively, and restore a stable and healthy state faster. 19,20 It can also enhance psychological resilience by affecting self-efficacy and hope, and enable people to develop a sense of peace and meaning. 12,19 Patients can also recover their sense of self-control after lung cancer surgery, and actively provide psychological support to improve the quality of life in the subsequent disease treatment and rehabilitation process.…”

“…19 This is considered to be a relatively proactive and well-adapted coping strategy, and it is usually associated with better mental state, less negative emotions, and higher quality of life. 20,21 Compared with confrontation, resignation acceptance is considered a passive coping strategy. 19 When patients are under great pressure or trauma, they may choose this coping strategy and give up efforts to change the status quo, which can cause people to lose control of the disease and future.…”

Quality of life in early‐stage Alzheimer's disease: the moderator role of family variables and coping strategies from the patients' perspective

“…14 Patients' ability to cope has been shown to directly affect their QOL. 15 Previous research on AD indicated that patients preserve their spirituality regardless of the decline in their cognitive functions. 16 Furthermore, spirituality is a resource that has been found to contribute to the QOL of patients with dementia.…”