Life after cancer in India: coping with side effects and cancer pain.
The article aims to understand the coping strategies of postsurgery head and neck cancer patients in Mumbai, India. A descriptive research design with a sample of 80 patients suffering from head and neck cancer was selected to analyze their coping strategies in relation to sociodemographic profile and illness characteristics. The findings of the study highlighted that the spiritual methods of coping (such as prayer and meditation, adopting a positive attitude) were the most frequently used mainstream coping strategy, apart from other traditional methods (such as taking medications, indulging in exercise and activities to divert one's attention, etc.) of coping. The findings of the study help to broaden the understanding of various psychosocial aspects faced by the patient in India and provide progressive recommendations to improve the quality of life of the patient suffering from cancer.
Jagannathan
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National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Koramangala, Bangalore, India. jaganaarti@gmail.com
Juvva
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D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery; D003717:Denial, Psychological; D003906:Developing Countries; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010039:Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D029181:Spirituality