Self-management and illness perception among cervical cancer patients: A cross-sectional study

This study aimed to describe self-management among cervical cancer patients and to elucidate the relationship between illness perception and self-management in patients with cervical cancer.

This was a cross-sectional study. A convenience sample of 220 cervical cancer patients was recruited from the gynaecology outpatient department of a cancer hospital. Data were collected from September 2018 to February 2019. Self-management and illness perception were assessed using the Cancer Self-Management Assessment Scale and the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire for cervical cancer, respectively. Data were analysed using Pearson correlation analysis, univariate analysis and hierarchical linear regression analysis.

The mean score of self-management was 3.87 ± 0.53, and daily life management showed the highest score (4.18 ± 0.58), while symptom management was the lowest (3.11 ± 082). Hierarchical linear regression analysis showed that family monthly income per person, types of surgery and personal control were factors that significantly influenced self-management.

The results demonstrate that self-management among patients with cervical cancer needs to be improved. The significant influence of illness perception offers an opportunity for nurses to improve self-management behaviours of patients with cervical cancer.