Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Cancer has an intense stressful treatment process due to the various burdens that brings to the individual. The aim of the study is to evaluate relationship between Stresssymtoms, Stress level and Coping Strategies in Patients receiving Cytotoxic Chemotherapy.

METHODS: Research was carried out with116 patients receiving Chemotherapy in a University Hospital Chemotherapy Unit in Manisa using Patient information form, Perceived Stress Scale, Stres Symptoms Scale and Coping Style Scale.

RESULTS: There was a statistical significance correllation between Perceived Stress Scale scores and Stres Symptoms Scale scores (r=-0,42 p<0,001). There was a statistical significance correlation between stres symptom scale scores and self-confident approach (r=-0,41 p<0,001), optimistic approach(r=-0,36 p<0,001), helpless approach (r=0,27 p<0,01) and seeking social support (r=-0,21 p<0,05). There was a statistical significance correllation between Perceived Stress Scale and self-confident approach (r=0,40 p<0,001), optimistic approach (r=0,29 p<0,01), helpless approach(r=-0,48 p<0,001), submissive approach (r=-0,26 p<0,01) and seeking social support (r=0,28 p<0,01).

CONCLUSION: Patients with receiving cytotoxic Chemotherapy mostly experienced fatigue, sleeping disorders, premature waking, nervous-anger feelings and distressing thoughts. They used self confident approach, optimistic approach and seeking social support to cope with stres mostly. Accordingly, it can be said that they can effectively deal with stress.