Correlation of stigma, coping style and self-esteem among patients after breast modified radical mastectomy

Objective To explore stigma in patients after breast modified radical mastectomy, and analyze the correlation of stigma with coping style and self-esteem. Methods From January 2015 to February 2017, totally 186 patients after breast modified radical mastectomy were selected by convenience sampling method and investigated by self-designed general demographic questionnaire, Social Impact Scale, Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire and Self-Esteem Scale. Pearson correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation of breast cancer patients' stigma with coping style and self-esteem, and multiple linear regression was adopted to analyze the influencing factors of stigma. Results Patients' stigma after surgery was (61.04±11.99) , which was at a moderate level. The stigma was negatively correlated with confrontation and self-esteem (r=-0.421, -0.574; P<0.05) , and positively correlated with resignation and avoidance (r=0.564, 0.414; P<0.05) . The result of multiple linear regression showed that age and resigned coping style were the influencing factors of stigma (β'=0.291, 0.263; P<0.05) . Conclusions The stigma of patients after breast modified radical mastectomy is at a moderate level, and should be paid attention. Nurses should encourage patients to face difficulties and challenges, and communicate with others actively. Besides, young adult patients should be taken into consideration. Key words: Breast neoplasms; Stigma; Coping style; Self-esteem