Self-efficacy for Coping With Cancer in a Multiethnic Sample of Breast Cancer Patients: Associations With Barriers to Pain Management and Distress

Abstract

Objectives This study examined the interrelations of self-efficacy for coping with cancer, perceived barriers to pain management, distress, and pain outcomes in a multiethnic sample of breast cancer patients. The extent to which ethnicity (Black, Latina, or Caucasian), language (English or Spanish), and level of education and income predicted these variables also was assessed. Methods Participants were breast cancer patients with persistent pain (N = 87) who were recruited from oncology clinics in New York City. Patients completed an assessment battery that included measures of self-efficacy for coping with cancer, barriers to pain management, distress, and pain outcomes. Results Greater self-efficacy for coping with cancer was associated with older age, less time since diagnosis, and less distress. In addition, less self-efficacy for seeking and understanding medical information, Spanish language preference, and greater distress predicted greater barriers to pain management. Average pain severity was higher among Spanish-speaking individuals and those with lower incomes. Discussion Findings point to the potential importance of self-efficacy for seeking and understanding medical information and perceived barriers to pain management in understanding the psychological well-being of breast cancer patients with pain, especially those who are Spanish-speaking.

Patient-Reported Quality of Pain Treatment and Use of Interpreters in Spanish-Speaking Patients Hospitalized for Obstetric and Gynecological Care

“…Our findings are in agreement with previous research reporting that Spanishspeaking patients in the US experience greater barriers to pain management than English speaking patients, with barriers mostly due to difficulties in communication with providers. 7 Our findings are also consistent with previous studies documenting the importance of interpreter services for Latino patients who need to communicate regarding healthcare issues. In a study of uninsured Spanishspeaking Latinos who accessed hospital services, patients who used interpreters reported more satisfaction in their communications with providers, pharmacy, and staff than their counterparts who needed but did not receive interpreters.…”

“…Not surprisingly, previous studies have linked LEP with higher levels of pain and greater barriers to pain management. 6,7 Patients in obstetric and gynecologic services can experience significant pain associated with surgical procedures and labor and delivery. Although postoperative pain treatment with opioids is standard of care, management of pain associated with labor and delivery includes a variety of acceptable approaches.…”

The Effects of Fatigue and Distress on Self-efficacy among Breast Cancer Survivors

“…자기효능감은 바람직한 효과를 산출하는 행동을 성공적 으로 수행할 수 있다는 개인의 믿음으로 [5], 유방암 환자의 적 극적인 적응 과정에 가장 강력한 영향요인이며 [6], 자가간호행 위에 매우 중요한 요인으로 보고되고 있다 [7]. 유방암 생존자 에서 자기효능감은 투병의지, 희망, 신체적 ․ 정서적 ․ 사회적 기 능과 유의한 상관관계를 나타내고 있으며 [6], 일부 선행연구에 서는 자기효능감과 피로, 디스트레스와의 유의한 관련성이 있 는 것으로 보고되고 있다 [8][9][10]. …”

Cancer-Related Self-Efficacy in Iranian Women With Breast Cancer

“…The fact that, mean age of patients in Collie et al (20) study was 58 years, and the age of most patients in our study was less than 50 years should also be considered as a source of difference. This is important because it can probably show the effect of age on self-efficacy (16,17). Mosher et al in their study on self-efficacy of breast cancer patients, regarding different language and ethnicity, reported significantly higher total scores of self-efficacy for all groups (200 >) compared to those in Iranian patients (176.3 ± 47) (17).…”

“…On the other hand, age is associated with the patient's self-efficacy that may increase as a person grows older (16,17). In view of the fact that breast cancer affects Iranian women at least one decade younger than their counterparts in developed countries (18) and considering different psychological responses of Iranian women to breast cancer (8,19), this study was undertaken to explore the self-efficacy of Iranian women with breast cancer along with its attendant demographic and medical predictors.…”