Positive and negative affect and prostate cancer-specific anxiety in Taiwanese patients and their partners

Few studies have examined positive and negative affect and prostate cancer-specific anxiety in prostate cancer patients and their partners. Thus, this study explored positive and negative affect and prostate cancer-specific anxiety as well as their associated factors in prostate cancer patients and their partners.

A prospective repeated-measures design was used. Data were collected from 48 prostate cancer patients and their partners when treatment was determined (before treatment) and at 6, 10, 18, and 24 weeks thereafter. The questionnaire included the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and the Memorial Anxiety Scale for prostate cancer. Generalized estimating equations were used for statistical analysis.

Patients with lower relationship satisfaction experienced lower positive affect (β = 0.279) and higher negative affect (β = -0.323), and their partners experienced higher prostate specific antigen-related anxiety (β = -0.014). The presence of strong hormonal symptoms aggravated negative affect (β = -0.010) and prostate cancer-related anxiety (β = -0.009), but living with children and grandchildren improved prostate cancer-related anxiety (β = -0.445) and fear of cancer recurrence in patients (β = -0.232).

There is an interaction between the prostate cancer-specific anxiety experienced by patients and that experienced by their partners. The emotional state of patients and their partners should be evaluated, and understandable information should be provided. Care strategies should include encouraging adult children to participate in the patients' care plan, symptom management, and the teaching of coping skills.