Volume 25 , Issue 2 , December 2023 , Pages 304-313
Bakhan Farah Hama Sharif 1 ; Mahabat Hassan Saeed 2 ; Bijan Nouri 3 ; Sina Valiee 4
1 Student Research Committee, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
2 Department of Maternal Neonate Nursing, College of Nursing, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
3 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
4 Clinical Care Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
Background: Breast cancer is several of the worst severe illnesses for women, which
influences their physical and mental quality of life and acceptance of their bodies. It affects
patients' views of their bodies; thus, finding effective coping mechanisms is essential.
Objective: This study aimed to discover body image and its relation with coping
mechanisms in breast cancer patients admitted to Hiwa Hematology/Oncology Hospital in
Sulaimaniyah, Iraq. Materials & Methods: This Cross-sectional study was conducted on
women diagnosed with breast cancer admitted to the Hiwa Hematology/Oncology
Hospital Sulaimaniyah, Iraq. A three-part questionnaire was utilized to gather information
to determine body image and coping mechanisms that were demographic and clinical
form, body image scale and Coping Orientation to coping or regulating cognitions in
response to stressors (Brief-COPE). Results: The mean score for the body image was
reported as 7.86±7.73, the mean score for coping strategies, including problem-focused
/active coping strategies items was reported as 2.74±0.67, and functional items as
2.82±0.43. Considering the calculated mean scores, the distress or concerns of the
participants about their body image were lower. The most frequent coping strategies were
religious coping (3.88±0.32), while the least active coping approach was humor
(1.96±1.08). Self-distraction (3.13±1.03) was the least avoidant coping strategy. A
significant positive relationship between the coping strategies with body image was
reported as (p=0.032, r=0.200). Conclusions: Good body image in women was associated
with increased usage of practical acceptance. Therefore, it is advised to promote a positive
view of physical appearance and having skilled nurses assess all breast cancer patients'
capacity for coping following surgery. Nurses and patients can effectively communicate
about body image and coping techniques through these assessments.