Stress and intervention preferences of patients with brain tumors

Despite advances in diagnosis, treatment, and management of brain tumors, a brain tumor (BT) can significantly disrupt a person's life and create stress. To design effective stress reduction interventions, it is essential to have an understanding of the beliefs, past experiences, and preferences concerning stress reduction techniques and programs among patients with BTs.

Using a convenience sample, 60 adult patients with primary BTs completed the study questionnaire. Demographic information and patient preferences were collected using self-reported measures, medical information was collected via medical chart review, and stress was assessed using Perceived Stress Scale.

Sixty-three percent of the population sampled experienced elevated levels of stress. Eighty-six percent wanted to learn about techniques to reduce stress and 78% believed stress reduction techniques can help reduce stress. However, only 56% indicated they would be able to participate in a stress reduction program twice a week and only 40% of the sample wanted to participate in the various stress reduction programs presented to them in this study. Furthermore, only 26% of the sample actually wanted to receive information about stress reduction programs and only 25% would participate in programs using the various modes presented.

The results of this study clearly indicate that patients with BTs experience stress. Furthermore, the data is encouraging in regard to the patients' desire to learn about stress reduction techniques. However, the lack of interest in actually receiving information and the inability to envision themselves participating in programs present a major challenge.