Factors associated with post-traumatic growth in male patients with rectal cancer: A cross-sectional study

This study investigated the major functional issues experienced by male patients with rectal cancer, including fecal function, sexual function, and social support and how they relate to post-traumatic growth. Factors that can be associated with post-traumatic growth were also identified.

A questionnaire was administered to 143 male patients with rectal cancer receiving either treatment at a national cancer center or post-therapeutic follow-up in outpatient clinics, from February 18 to May 22, 2020. In addition to questions relating to patients' characteristics, the questionnaire included measures of fecal function, sexual function, social support, and post-traumatic growth.

Post-traumatic growth showed a weak to moderate positive correlation with both sexual function and social support. Moreover, an analysis of the factors associated with post-traumatic growth showed that religion, marital status, and social support were statistically significant; these factors explained 22% of the variance in post-traumatic growth.

Post-traumatic growth in male patients with rectal cancer can be associated with psychosocial factors, such as religion and social support, rather than physical functions, such as fecal function and sexual function. Interventions to enhance social support for men who are single or non-religious could promote post-traumatic growth in male patients with rectal cancer.