POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AND HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS: MODERATING ROLE OF POSTTRAUMATIC GROWTH

Abstract

Objective

The objective of study was to determine relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder and health-related quality of life in breast cancer survivors and investigating role of moderation in posttraumatic growth.

Study Design

 This correlational investigation was conceded at hospitals affiliated by PIMS (Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences) and NORI (Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute).

Methods

The study’s target population consisted of a total sample of 150 patients of breast cancer patients. Informed consent were taken from breast cancer survivors, who were taking the treatment of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. A pre-designed proforma was used to record the patient's information, which included their age, gender, qualification, stage of illness, duration of illness, mode of treatment, any other psychological disease, any other physiological disease, family history, monthly income and family system/structure. For assessment of breast cancer survivors' post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and posttraumatic growth (PTG), post-traumatic checklist (PCL-5), functional assessment of cancer treatment (FACT-B), and posttraumatic growth inventory (PTGI) scales employed. Purposive sampling technique was used and with the help of G-Power sample size was determined. The data was analyzed on IBM SPSS 21.

Results

The findings show that PTSD and PTG (new opportunities, personal growth) have a significant negative relationship, while positive relationship between HRQOL (physical and emotional well-being) and PTSD among breast cancer survivors receiving radiotherapy. PTSD has a strong positive correlation with PTG (connected to interpersonal relationships and individual strength) and HRQOL (physical and emotional well-being) in breast cancer survivors who had chemotherapy. Moderate correlation between PTSD, HRQOL, and PTG (Physical and Emotional well-being). The link between PTSD and HRQOL was altered by PTG to the tune of 4%. Relationship between PTSD and emotional health was modulated by PTG. In the model, it increased variance by 6%. Physical and mental well-being increased as the number of survivors of breast cancer with increased PTG. The occurrence of PTSD, HRQOL, and PTG, as well as different sub scales and treatment modalities like radiography and chemotherapy, can all be linked to a significant disparity in the treatment outcomes of breast cancer survivors. PTG, an essential moderator, markedly improved the status of breast cancer survivors.

Conclusion

This study identified high prevalence of PTSD among breast cancer survivors which affected their overall HRQOL. PTG played a significant role of moderator between PTSD and HRQOL. Furthermore, forecasting changes in breast cancer survivors may make use of a variety of scientific data, awareness and other factors.

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