Subjective perception of treatment in patients first referred to radiotherapy and its relationship to their well-being

• Published in: European psychiatry 2021-04, Vol.64 (S1), p.S434-S434
• Main Authors: Kovyazina, M., Rasskazova, E., Kuznetsova, A., Shilko, R., Zinchenko, Y., Sadovnichaja, V.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abstract; Breast cancer; E-Poster Presentation; Radiation therapy; radiotherapy; treatment representation; well-being
• ISSN: 0924-9338; 1778-3585
• DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.1159

IntroductionThere are wide-spread fears and expectations about radiotherapy in people referred to it that are not only unrealistic (Shaverdian et al., 2018) but also lead to poorer compliance with doctors and poorer satisfaction with treatment (Dong et al., 2014).ObjectivesThe aim was to reveal relationship between different aspects of subjective perception of radiotherapy in patients and their well-being.Methods34 patients first referred to radiotherapy, 23-70 years old (mostly females with breast cancer) filled modified version of Beliefs about Medication Questionnaire including items about radiotherapy (Horne et al., 1996), Satisfaction With Life Scale (Diener et al., 1985), Scale of Positive And Negative Experience (Diener et al., 2009).ResultsSix scales were revealed by factor analysis in the structure of beliefs about radiotherapy (Cronbach’s alphas .74-.85): confidence in the effectiveness of radiation therapy, subjective need for it, lack of understanding of it, concern and general negative attitudes towards radiotherapy, doubts about the effectiveness of radiation therapy. Elder patients reported higher need for radiotherapy but also higher concerns about it (r=.35-.37). Concerns about radiotherapy were related to lower satisfaction with life and positive emotions (r=-.44 - -.34) while subjective need of radiotherapy was related to higher health anxiety (r=.71) and lower positive emotions (r=-.41).ConclusionsSubjective concerns of patients regarding radiotherapy are related to poorer well-being and could be addressed in psychotherapy.