EFFECTS OF BREAST CANCER ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF WOMEN AGED 25 AND ABOVE IN JARAMOGI OGINGA ODINGA TEACHING AND REFERRAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

ix ABSTRACT Breast cancer is the most common non-cutaneous malignant diagnosis in women. Diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer lead to negative psychological effects both to the patient and the immediate family members. These include anxiety, distress, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, which result to poor quality of life and non-compliance to treatment. Interventions strategies like coping skills, stress management and training breast cancer women have resulted into minimal positive outcomes. The current study evaluated the effects of breast cancer on the psychological well-being of female patients aged 25-years and above receiving services at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kisumu County. The research adopted a cross-sectional study model. Simple random sampling method was applied and data collected through predesigned questionnaire and checklists. Data was processed and analyzed using the statistical package for social scientists (SPSS Version 25.0). The result was expressed in tables, bar-graphs, and pie-charts. In summary, about 10% of women with breast cancer are academically oriented with 1.5% of the general participants joining psychosocial programs. 87.7% of the general participants did not receive any form of psychosocial support after the diagnosis. 53% of the study participants had mild to severe anxiety with 14% having severe anxiety. 45% of participants had mild to severe depression and 18% had severe depression. In conclusion, breast cancer has negative effects on the psychological well-being of patient.