The influence of stigma on the quality of life for prostate cancer survivors.
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of stigma on prostate cancer (PCa) survivors' quality of life. Stigma for lung cancer survivors has been the focus of considerable research (Else-Quest & Jackson, 2014); however, gaps remain in understanding the experience of PCa stigma. A cross-sectional correlational study was designed to assess the incidence of PCa stigma and its influence on the quality of life of survivors. Eighty-five PCa survivors were administered survey packets consisting of a stigma measure, a PCa-specific quality of life measure, and a demographic survey during treatment of their disease. A linear regression analysis was conducted with the data received from PCa survivors. Results indicated that PCa stigma has a significant, negative influence on the quality of life for survivors (R2= 0.33, F(4, 80) = 11.53, p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in PCa stigma based on demographic variables (e.g., race and age). Implications for physical and mental health practitioners and researchers are discussed.
a Department of Clinical Mental Health Counseling , Antioch University Seattle , Seattle , WA , USA.
Andrew W
AW
Wood
b Department of Child, Family, and Community Sciences , University of Central Florida , Orlando , FL , USA.
Sejal
S
Barden
c Southpoint Cancer Center , Jacksonville , FL , USA.
Mitchell
M
Terk
c Southpoint Cancer Center , Jacksonville , FL , USA.
Jamie
J
Cesaretti
D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D057545:Social Stigma; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
prostate cancer; quality of life; stigma