Mehrnaz Goodarzian; Kourosh Mohammadi; Azita Amirfakhraei
Abstract
Background: Patients with breast cancer (BC) experience psychological challenges necessitating therapeutic interventions. This study evaluated the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in influencing health-related locus of control and emotional regulation in women diagnosed with BC.Methods: ...
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Background: Patients with breast cancer (BC) experience psychological challenges necessitating therapeutic interventions. This study evaluated the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in influencing health-related locus of control and emotional regulation in women diagnosed with BC.Methods: This semi-experimental research, employing a pre-test, post-test, and control group design, was conducted among women with BC receiving care at health centers in Dezful City, Iran in 2019. Forty participants were selected through convenience sampling and subsequently randomized via lottery into experimental and control groups, each comprising 20 individuals. The experimental group underwent an eight-session ACT-based treatment, with one 90-minute session per week. Assessment instruments utilized in this study included Wallston’s health-related locus of control questionnaire and Garnefski’s cognitive emotion regulation questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using ANCOVA and SPSS version 24.Results: No significant differences were observed between the groups in the pre-test concerning health-related locus of control and emotional regulation. In the post-test, the mean±SD score for the health-related locus of control in the ACT group was 61.80±7.23, demonstrating a significant difference compared to the control group (47.94±6.11) (P<0.001). Emotional regulation mean scores in the experimental and control groups were 87.35±9.28 and 59.74±7.38, respectively, signifying statistical significance (P=0.005). ACT significantly enhanced health-related locus of control and emotional regulation in women diagnosed with BC (P<0.001).Conclusion: ACT effectively enhances health-related locus of control and emotional regulation in women with BC. Healthcare professionals and therapists may consider incorporating ACT into their comprehensive treatment strategies to augment healthrelated locus of control and emotional regulation in this patient population.
Shahin Tabarzan; Farzaneh Hooman; Saeed Bakhtiarpour
Abstract
Background: Cyberspace has attracted sizeable audience thanks to its broad range of topics, diverse content, and audio and visual attractions. However, Internet addiction is believed to be a salient phenomenon as the consequence of improper use of cyberspace, which leads to mental and personality-related ...
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Background: Cyberspace has attracted sizeable audience thanks to its broad range of topics, diverse content, and audio and visual attractions. However, Internet addiction is believed to be a salient phenomenon as the consequence of improper use of cyberspace, which leads to mental and personality-related disorders. The present research aimed to investigate the mediating role of sexual satisfaction in the correlation among the quality of married life, Internet addiction, and mindfulness in patients with breast cancer.Methods: This is a descriptive correlational study. The statistical population herein comprised all the women with breast cancer in Tehran, Iran in 2022, out of whom a sample of 250 was conveniently selected. The research tools included the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale, the Internet Addiction Test, the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills, and the Index of Sexual Satisfaction. The research model was evaluated with structural equation modeling in AMOS-25 and SPSS version 27.Results: Based on the obtained results, the mean and standard deviation (SD) of quality of married life, Internet addiction, mindfulness, and sexual satisfaction were 47.90±6.71, 59.18±8.88, 53.09±8.73, and 66.25±7.14, respectively. The results revealed the significance of all the direct paths (P<0.001), except for the path of mindfulness to the quality of married life. The indirect paths from Internet addiction to the quality of married life mediated by sexual satisfaction (P=0.010), and the association between mindfulness and the quality of married life mediated by sexual satisfaction (P=0.015) were also significant. Furthermore, the final model was found to have good fit (RMSEA=0.027).Conclusions: The research model herein had a desirable fit. It is an appropriate model, according to which different programs can be developed and designed in order to improve the quality of married life of patients with breast cancer.
Laleh Kianpour Barjoee; Naser Amini; Moloud Keykhosrovani; Abdollah Shafiabadi
Abstract
Background: Women with breast cancer may suffer from numerous psychological, physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional problems. If their psychological disorders persist, they may perceive a high level of stress. We conducted the present study to evaluate the effect of positive thinking skills training ...
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Background: Women with breast cancer may suffer from numerous psychological, physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional problems. If their psychological disorders persist, they may perceive a high level of stress. We conducted the present study to evaluate the effect of positive thinking skills training and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on perceived stress among women with breast cancer in Ahvaz, Iran in 2019. Methods: This was an experimental controlled pretest-posttest study. A sample of 45 women with breast cancer was conveniently selected and randomly allocated to the positive skills training group, ACT group, and the control group. The first and second experimental groups underwent eight sessions (90-minute sessions per week) of positive thinking skills training and ACT, respectively. The research instrument included the Perceived Stress Scale. One-way analysis of covariance was used to analyze the data. Results: The mean±SD of the post-test scores of perceived stress in the positive thinking skills training group was 17.01±2.32 while it was 22.53±1.45 in the ACT group, which was significantly different from the control group (54.10±4.37). Positive thinking skills training and ACT both reduced the perceived stress in women with breast cancer in the experimental groups compared to that in the control group. Positive thinking skills training had a significantly greater effect than ACT on mitigating perceived stress (p <0.001). Conclusion: According to the results, positive thinking training and ACT were effective in reducing perceived stress in women with breast cancer. Moreover, positive thinking training was more effective in declining stress in women with breast cancer.
Razieh Zahedi; Maysam Rezapour; Hossein Molavi Vardanjani; Mohammad Reza Baneshi; Ali Akbar Haghdoost; Reza Malekpour Afshar; Farzaneh Zolala
Abstract
Background: Previous studies have shown that breast cancer (BC) risk perception could be a motivation for screening behaviors. This study was conducted to compare the level of BC risk perception of women aged between 30-40 and 41-60 years, and to determine the factors affecting screening behaviors and ...
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Background: Previous studies have shown that breast cancer (BC) risk perception could be a motivation for screening behaviors. This study was conducted to compare the level of BC risk perception of women aged between 30-40 and 41-60 years, and to determine the factors affecting screening behaviors and examine the association between BC risk perception and BC screening behaviors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed using a Rutherford instrument for BC risk perception on 754 women aged 30 to 60 years with no history of BC in 2018. The questionnaire included demographic information, risk factors of BC, screening practice, and risk perception of BC. The association between screening behaviors with women’s BC risk perception and some other variables were assessed utilizing pathway analysis method with the Structural equation modeling (SEM), which summarized the results by odds ratio index. Results:The mean score of BC risk perception was 28.9±24.3, which was 31.2±24.4 in women aged 30 to 40 and 25.9±23.9 in women aged 41 to 60 years (P value = 0.003). The association between mammography with risk perception was (OR:1 [95%CI: 0.9, 1]). According to this study, the most important variables affecting mammography were increased clinical examination (OR: 34.6 [95%CI: 16.3, 73.7]), age (OR: 8.8 [95%CI: 4.9,16]), family history of breast cancer (OR: 4 [95%CI: 1.3, 12.9]), and higher education level ([OR: 1.4[95%CI: 1.1,1.9]). Conclusions: The results of our study indicated that younger women had higher BC risk perception. BC risk perception was not found to have any direct effects on mammography. This survey revealed that physicians had an important role in encouraging women to perform mammography.
Arezoo Kazemi; Robabeh Rostami; Maryam Koushkie Jahromi; Sedigheh Tahmasebi
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer as the most common cancer and deadliest malignancy among women is one of the most important health concerns in the world. Therefore, the present study was conducted in response to the question of whether the Pilates training method affects the memory, attention, and balance ...
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Background: Breast cancer as the most common cancer and deadliest malignancy among women is one of the most important health concerns in the world. Therefore, the present study was conducted in response to the question of whether the Pilates training method affects the memory, attention, and balance of women with lymphedema after modified mastectomy. Methods: In this quasi-experimental clinical trial, we studied 20 women with an average and standard division in (age, 43.03±5.61year), height (163.85±4.63 cm) and weight (67±3.95 kg). Our subjects referred to Shahid Motahari clinic, Shiraz, Iran in 2019 with lymphedema after modified mastectomy. They were randomly divided into two groups: Pilates and control. The experimental group performed Pilate’s exercises for 2 weeks, 3 days a week with 60 minutes long each session. Memory, attention, and balance before and after the training program were assessed using one-way analysis of covariance and paired t-test at a significance level of 0.05. Results: Statistical analysis of age, height, and weight showed no differences between the two groups. Statistical analysis of paired t-test indicated a significant difference in pre-test and post-test scores of the training group, yet this difference was not significant in the control group. Moreover, one-way analysis of covariance revealed a significant difference between the two groups in pre to post- tests in the tests of Stroop test [exercise (pre): 449.70±45, (post): 421.30±58.13; Control (pre): 461.30±23.17, (post): 457.10±22.20, P=0.014), n-back [Exercise (pre): 69.50±19.69; (post): 88.00±13.23; Control (pre): 79.40±17.48, (post): 82.00±10.74 P=0.016), and Flamingo [Exercise(pre): 18.49 ±18.92; (post): 51.57±43.02; Control (pre): 10.85±4.36, (post): 10.83±3.91, P=0.001]. Attention: (431.30±33.59), (461±11.12), memory: (72.50±17.34), (90±8.27), and static balance: (9.96±4.23), (29.39±7.00). In control group, the mean and standard deviation of the scores were as follows: attention: (465.90±10.56), (462.60±6.99), memory: (79.40±17.48), (85.90±4.45), and static balance: (10.85±4.36), (10.83±3.91). Conclusion: According to our findings, it could be concluded that women with breast cancer can use the benefits of Pilates along with other treatments.
Petra Jansen; Sandra Kaltner; Lukas Prantl; Britta A. Kuehlmann
Abstract
Background: Several studies have shown cognitive impairment occurring in patients after treatment of breast cancer. In this study, we investigated the mental rotation ability of patients with breast cancer (13 women) and 13 healthy control subjects.
Methods: Participants solved a chronometric mental ...
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Background: Several studies have shown cognitive impairment occurring in patients after treatment of breast cancer. In this study, we investigated the mental rotation ability of patients with breast cancer (13 women) and 13 healthy control subjects.
Methods: Participants solved a chronometric mental rotation test with object-based and egocentric transformations between May and June 2016 in a laboratory at the Center for Plastic, Aesthetic, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery. Two repeated measure analyses of variance were performed with “stimulus condition”, “group”, and “angular disparity” as independent variables and “reaction time” (RT) and “accuracy rate” as dependent measurements. Furthermore, depression score, physical self-appearance, and cognitive speed were measured. Three separate univariate analyses of variance (significance level alpha = 0.05) were performed with those three measurements as dependent variables and the factor “group”.
Results: The findings showed that women with breast cancer differed in their reaction time from subjects in the healthy control group: Women with breast cancer experienced fewer difficulties in solving the egocentric (1813.96 ± 1257.43) compared to the object-based transformations (2236.05 ± 1613.71, P = 0.043). There was no significant difference between the object-based transformation (1706.08 ± 473.11) and egocentric condition (2027.76 ± 932.66) in healthy women (P = 0.218).
Conclusion: The results give a hint that relation to egocentric transformations increases in women with breast cancer compared to healthy women.
Sara Mozafari; Isaac Rahimian Boogar; Siavash Talepasand; Farahnaz Ghahreman Fard
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer as a chronic disease is associated with many physical and psychological problems that necessitate the use of psychological treatments.
Objectives: This study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of meaning-centered psychotherapy on existential anxiety and fear of cancer recurrence ...
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Background: Breast cancer as a chronic disease is associated with many physical and psychological problems that necessitate the use of psychological treatments.
Objectives: This study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of meaning-centered psychotherapy on existential anxiety and fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer survivors.
Methods: In a randomized controlled clinical trial with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up along with a control group, 28 breast cancer survivors were selected by random sampling among patients that attended the Cancer and Hematology specialized clinic of Semnan University of Medical Sciences. The participants were randomly assigned to two intervention (group treatment, n = 7; individual treatment, n = 7) and one control group (n = 14). Data were collected by existential anxiety scale (EAS) and fear of cancer recurrence inventory (FCRI) and analyzed with the repeated multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) using the SPSS-23 software.
Results: There were significant differences between the experimental groups and the control group on existential anxiety and fear of cancer recurrence (P < 0.001) in breast cancer survivors. Group and individual interventions reduced existential anxiety and fear of cancer recurrence in post-test and follow up in experimental groups compared to the control group (P < 0.001). The interaction of the groups and time assessment was statistically significant (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: Meaning-centered psychotherapy reduces existential anxiety and fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer survivors. This intervention is useful to recover psychological problems in breast cancer survivors.
Negin Hadi; Esmaeel Shabaninezhad; Zahra Shabgard Shahraki; Ali Montazeri; Sedigheh Tahmasebi; Zinab Zakeri; Abdolrasoul Talei
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies all over the world. The rate of survival of the patients with cancer has increased due to developing diverse treatment methods, as a result of which the treatment-related side effects have become the focus of attention more than before. ...
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Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies all over the world. The rate of survival of the patients with cancer has increased due to developing diverse treatment methods, as a result of which the treatment-related side effects have become the focus of attention more than before. Lymphedema related to breast cancer is one of the frequent side effects which has significantly affected the patient’s quality of life.
Objectives: The purpose of this research was to assess the effect of complete or complex decongestive therapy on breast cancer-related lymphedema and the patients’ quality of life.
Patients and Methods: The present study was conducted from January 2013 to January 2014 and comprised 119 patients with breast cancer, related lymphedema, who had undergone complete or complex decongestive therapy (CDT). The patients’ volume and grade of lymphedema were measured and determined before and after treatment, using the direct volumeter device to measure the lymphedema volume. To determine the quality of life, the European organization for research and treatment of cancer quality of life questionnaire (EQRTC BR-23) was completed before and after the treatment.
Result: The volume of lymphedema was significantly reduced after CDT (P < 0.001). The scores of quality of life were significantly increased regarding body image (BI) (P < 0.001), future prospective (FP) (P = 0.008), sexual functioning (SF) (P = 0.006), systemic therapy side effect (STSE) (P = 0.008) and arm symptoms (AS) (P < 0.001) which was clear indication of improved quality of life.
Conclusions: It is concluded that not only CDT causes reduction in lymph edema volume but also it improves the life quality of patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema
Ahmad Kalateh Sadati; Farnaz Rahnavard; Najmeh Ebrahimzadeh; Najmeh Maharloei
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is closely linked with the quality of passage of time by the patient.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of the passage of time in narratives of women with breast cancer.
Patients and Methods: Data were collected through in-depth interviews ...
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Background: Breast cancer is closely linked with the quality of passage of time by the patient.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of the passage of time in narratives of women with breast cancer.
Patients and Methods: Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 8 women after mastectomy. A thematic method based on the qualitative research was used to explore the meaningful themes.
Results: The results obtained revealed that the story of passing of time involved two fluctuation modes. At the primary stages of encountering breast cancer the patients experience a chaotic time in which the first reaction was denying and disavowing the fact that they were plagued by an unexpected threat. Following this stage, the patients begin to progressively base their experience on creativity and religious coping strategies called the calmness period.
Conclusions: Passing of time is of fluctuation type. Creativity and religious context have main roles in resolving the psychological problems of women with breast cancer. Therefore, policy makers must consider planning to enrich religious beliefs in women with breast cancer.
Zahra Kochaki Nejad; Alireza Mohajjel Aghdam; Hadi Hassankhani; Mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi; Zohreh Sanaat
Abstract
Background: Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s belief in his or her capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific achievement. Past studies have shown probable increases in self-efficacy with growing age. Iranian women with breast cancer are one decade younger than their western ...
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Background: Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s belief in his or her capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific achievement. Past studies have shown probable increases in self-efficacy with growing age. Iranian women with breast cancer are one decade younger than their western counterparts.
Objectives: The present study aims to investigate the level of cancer-related self-efficacy in Iranian women, and its demographic and medical predictors.
Patients and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study comprised of 91 breast cancer patients referring for chemotherapy to one of the largest oncology centers in northwest of Iran. The patients’ demographic and medical characteristics were determined and their cancer related self-efficacy was assessed using cancer behavior inventory containing 33 items. Data analysis was completed using SPSS software version 13. Descriptive and Regression analysis were used to describe demographic and medical characteristics of the patients and their predictors of cancer-related self-efficacy.
Results: The sustained cancer-related positive attitude had, in total, the highest mean score of 7 subscales of cancer behavior inventory and the seeking of social support had the least mean score. Only Patient’s education and the time of cancer diagnosis were associated with self-efficacy of Iranian women in relation to cancer.
Conclusions: According to the results obtained, it is necessary to consider the level of education, social support, and the time of cancer diagnosis in order to assess the self-efficacy in Iranian women with breast cancer.
