Avaliação da autoestima em pacientes oncológicos submetidos ao tratamento quimioterápico

Abstract

Cancer patients in chemotherapeutic treatment may face changes in physical appearance such as limitations and constraints to routine activities, which can undermine their self-esteem. This study aimed to evaluate the self-esteem of oncologic patients undergoing chemotherapy on a municipality from southern Minas Gerais. This is a transversal descriptive analytical and quantitative, epidemiological study developed with 156 patients of an oncology unit from a general midsize hospital from Alfenas-MG. Data collection occurred from January to May 2013, after approval by the Research Ethics Committee. Two instruments were used for data gathering: semi-structured questionnaire with sociodemographic variables related to treatment and lifestyle, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. This collection occurred in the chemotherapy sector, through interview. After this stage data were tabulated in the SPSS program, through which descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, as well as internal consistency of the scale, were carried out. As results, a higher frequency of male patients was verified; aged between 51 and 60 years; married or with companions; with one to five children; monthly family income between 651 to 1200 real; with schooling covering jointly incomplete and complete primary education; retirees or pensioners; homeowners; Catholics and residents of other municipalities; nonsmokers and which did not consume alcohol. With increasing regularity, the individuals scored the “others” category on the type of cancer; followed by breast cancer; with “not informed” disease phase category; followed by level three; having being diagnosed and being in treatment for up to six months; having performed six sessions of chemotherapy and not having being subjected to another kind of treatment besides chemotherapy and not having cancer in another organ. Most participants claimed they did not have chronic diseases nor used continuous medication and had not undergone a major event in life. Higher frequency of patients presenting high self-esteem was found, whereas some of them showed medium or low self-esteem. The scale presented a high Alpha Cronbach value of 0,746, considering its good and acceptable internal consistency for the evaluated items. No independent variables showed significant association with self-esteem. Nursing plans for the assistance of patients undergoing chemotherapeutic treatment become fundamental, enabling actions and strategies that meet them not only as to the physical condition, but also to the psychosocial tangent, considering the maintenance and rehabilitation of emotional aspects, focusing on the peculiarities of each one.