Coping styles in patients with haematological cancer in a Malaysian hospital.

• Main Authors: Awang , Hamidin, Priscilla , D., M.Z., Azhar, K.O.N., Noorjan, M.S. , Salmiah, K., Bahariah
• Format: Article
• Language: English; English
• Published: Hong Kong Academy of Medicine Press 2011
• Online Access: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/24697/1/Coping%20styles%20in%20patients%20with%20haematological%20cancer%20in%20a%20Malaysian%20hospital.pdf; http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/24697/; http://www.hkam.org.hk/

OBJECTIVE: To assess coping styles of haematological cancer patients and investigate factors (major depressive disorders, socio-demographic profiles and clinical factors) that influence them. METHODS:This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Ampang Hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which is a tertiary referral centre for haematological diseases. In all, 105 patients with haematological cancer were assessed using the Brief COPE questionnaire to examine the coping styles of patients, and the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview to assess major depressive disorder. RESULTS:The response rate was 83%. The coping strategies used by haematological cancer patients in descending order of frequency were: behavioural disengagement, active coping, denial, venting, self-distraction, substance use, acceptance, humour, use of emotional support, use of instrumental support, religion, positive reframing, planning, and self-blame. The coping styles were found to be associated with major depressive disorder, socio-demographic profiles, and clinical factors. Self-distraction and positive reframing coping styles were significant predictors and related to major depressive disorder. CONCLUSION:The early identification of poor coping styles in cancer patients is important, in order to enhance their survival and prevent relapses.