Research title: Coping Skills and its Associated Factors Among Breast Cancer Women in Iraq: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Coping skills play a vital role in managing the physical and psychological effects of breast cancer. Despite improvements in early detection and treatment, breast cancer survivors continue to face long-term challenges after diagnosis. This study aims to evaluate the coping skills employed by breast cancer women in Iraq and to identify the sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological factors associated with these coping behaviours. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 244 breast cancer women in the Medical City Teaching Oncology Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, from August 2023 to October 2023. Coping skills and psychological factors were assessed using the BRIEF COPE-28 and Hospital Anxiety Depression scale, respectively. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were also taken. The associations between the coping skills and associated factors were evaluated using multiple linear regression analysis. Results: The mean (SD) coping skills for active coping, passive coping, and seeking support were 5.96 (1.31), 4.00 (1.10), and 7.58 (0.84), respectively. Multiple linear regression revealed hormonal therapy, anxiety, and depression were significant factors influencing active coping. The passive coping associated factors were the type of surgery and anxiety. The seeking support was notably affected by the stage of disease, duration since surgery, and anxiety. Conclusion: This study highlights the association factors influencing the coping skills among breast cancer women in Iraq, and the need for targeted psychological and clinical interventions to improve coping skills.