Correlates of Symptom Distress in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, and Fluorouracil

Author

Denise J. Bakker, Grand Valley State University

Date Approved

1998

Graduate Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Nursing (M.S.N.)

Degree Program

College of Nursing

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between symptom distress and health locus of control, perception of illness, perception of treatment efficacy, and social support in breast cancer patients receiving cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and flourouracil as adjuvant chemotherapy in the outpatient setting. A prospective descriptive correlational design was used. A convenience sample of women (N = 33) with breast cancer was assessed using five measurement tools: the Symptom Distress Scale (McCorkle & Young, 1978), the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale (Wallston, Wallston, & DeVellis, 1978), the Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire (Norbeck, Lindsey, & Carrieri, 1981), and two 100-ram visual analog scales measuring perception of illness (Ehlke, 1988) and perception of treatment efficacy. Using the Pearson correlation coefficient no significant relationship was found between symptom distress and health locus of control, perception of illness, perception of treatment efficacy, and social support.

Comments

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ScholarWorks Citation

Bakker, Denise J., "Correlates of Symptom Distress in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, and Fluorouracil" (1998). Masters Theses. 360.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/theses/360