Effects of Buddhist Doctrine-Based Practice on Fear of Cancer Recurrence and Hopelessness: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Authors

  • Benyaporn Bannaasan RN, PhD Candidate, Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
  • Linchong Pothiban RN, DSN, Associate Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
  • Totsaporn Khampolsiri RN, PhD, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
  • Songserm Saengthong PhD, Special Lecturer, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Thailand

Keywords:

Buddhism, Breast cancer, Fear of cancer, Hopelessness, Survivor, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

           Fear of cancer recurrence and hopelessness are apparent and persistent psychological problems following primary treatment among survivors of breast cancer. These feelings negatively affect cancer recurrence, adjustment, and the quality of life among survivors. This study examined the effectiveness of a Buddhist doctrine-based practice in reducing fear of cancer recurrence and hopelessness. Participants included 59 survivors of breast cancer, who received primary treatment only, and who were 1-3 years post-diagnosis and cancer free. Twenty nine were randomly assigned  to  the  experimental  group and 30 to the control group.  The experimental group received a 9-day intervention consisting of three sessions of group education, two sessions of group training, and 8 days of home practice (self-training in critical reflection). Data were collected using the Concerns about Recurrence Scale and the Beck Hopelessness Scale. The Friedman test and Mann-Whitney U test were used in data analysis.

               Results indicated that fear of cancer recurrence and hopelessness in the experimental group was significantly less than the control group at all measuring points. There was a significant difference in fear of cancer recurrence between the two groups at 2 weeks and 1 month after completing the intervention. Also, there was a significant difference in hopelessness between the two groups at 1 month after completing the intervention. Thus, healthcare providers can use this intervention to reduce fear of cancer recurrence and hopelessness among survivors of breast cancer after completion of primary treatment. However further studies are recommended, with a longer duration to assess the long-term impact of the intervention.

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Published

2015-11-18

How to Cite

1.
Bannaasan B, Pothiban L, Khampolsiri T, Saengthong S. Effects of Buddhist Doctrine-Based Practice on Fear of Cancer Recurrence and Hopelessness: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PRIJNR [Internet]. 2015 Nov. 18 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];19(4):295-310. Available from: https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/PRIJNR/article/view/22747