| Abstract [eng] |
Perceived stigmatization and emotional state among women with breast cancer Women with breast cancer face not only physical health but also psychosocial and psychological issues, some of which include stigmatizing attitudes towards the ill and difficulties with emotional state. This study analyzes the impact of perceived stigmatization on the emotional state of women with breast cancer, whilst controlling sociodemographic, subjective health and cancer treatment factors. The study included 95 women between the ages of 20 and 80 with breast cancer that had undergone surgical cancer treatment. The study was conducted at the National Cancer Institute. The study used the following instruments: The Social Impact Scale; The Geriatric Depression Scale; The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 and; questionnaires on sociodemographic, subjective health status and treatment factors. The results showed that certain aspects of perceived stigmatization among women were related to emotional state, as well as financial status, breast reconstruction, subjective health and difficulties associated with breast cancer and its treatment. The results also revealed that participants emotional state was related to difficulties associated with the illness and that perceived stigmatization predicted emotional state. The most important prognostic factor for depressive symptoms was social isolation. |
