Uncertainty and perception of danger among patients undergoing treatment for prostate cancer

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2013

Abstract

Marked differences in uncertainty among patients have been found relating to race and social environment indicating that as uncertainty increases, social functioning declines. Correlations have been found between uncertainty and patients' coping, psychological adjustment and perceptions of their health and illness. Studies suggest the detrimental effect of uncertainty among patients with prostate cancer in the perception of their quality of life. These studies underline the potential benefit of targeted intervention. The study provides a unique insight into the impact of uncertainty and perception of danger on overall satisfaction with treatment outcomes in men with prostate cancer. Its results suggest that possible disparities related to patient racial background and education may exist in the perception of cancer-related uncertainty. Racial and educational disparities, coupled with a mild to moderate association of uncertainty or danger perception and overall outcome satisfaction, suggest an unmet need for healthcare and nursing services for men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.

Comments

Copyright 2013 Wiley-Blackwell. A link to full text has been provided for authorized subscribers.

Publication Title

BJU International

Published Citation

Kazer, M. W., Bailey Jr, D. E., Chipman, J., Psutka, S. P., Hardy, J., Hembroff, L., Regan, M., Dunn, R. L., Crociani, C., Sanda, M. G. and the PROSTQA Consortium Study Group (2013), Uncertainty and perception of danger among patients undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. BJU International, 111(3b): E84–E91.

DOI

doi: 10.1111/j.1464-410X.2012.11439.x

Peer Reviewed

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