Fear, Anxiety, and Coping Self-efficacy of Individuals With Cancer During COVID-19 and Predictive Risk Factors: A Descriptive and Correlational Study

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, we determined COVID-19-related fear, anxiety, and coping self-efficacy in individuals with cancer and predicted the risk factors of these parameters.

Data sources: A descriptive and correlational study was conducted in a single cancer center with 396 individuals. The data were collected using the Participant Information Form, the Fear of Coronavirus Scale, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and the Cancer Behavior Inventory Short Form. Approximately 94% of individuals had received the COVID-19 vaccine. The boosting effect of the vaccination on self-confidence (β = 0.209), duration of diagnosis (β = 0.219), and perception of mental health (β = 0.284) was associated with fear of COVID-19. Smoking (β = 0.116), vaccination dose (β = 0.139), disease stage (β = 0.101), perception of physical health (β = -0.262), and perception of mental health (β = -0.112) were associated with coping self-efficacy.

Conclusion: We found that most individuals did not have anxiety, had a moderate level of fear, and their coping self-efficacy was satisfactory.

Implications for nursing practice: The perception of mental health was the common risk factor for fear and coping self-efficacy. Health professionals should be aware of the psychological problems experienced by individuals with cancer, and they should adopt strategies that can increase self-efficacy in coping.

Keywords: Anxiety; Cancer; Coping; Fear; Individuals with cancer; Self-efficacy.