Investigation of self-efficacy, health related quality of life and affecting factors in women with breast cancer

Regarding to the importance of self-efficacy and its impact on health-related behaviors, chronic disease management and quality of life, and limited studies in this field, present study tried to investigated the relationship between self-efficacy and quality of life in breast cancer patients. This descriptive study was done at the Oncology Center in Dhi Qar. Statistical population included all women who had received chemical therapy because of their breast cancer (n=200). The data were collected by using a socio demographic questionnaire form, General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), Health Related Quality of Life Scale (HRQOLS). The interviews were conducted in Arabic, data were collected by face-to-face interview. The data collection procedure began in September 20th 2020 until the November 8th 2020. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. In the evaluation of the data; number, percentage, arithmetic mean standard deviation, Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman's correlation analyses were used. The average and standard deviation of both self-efficacy (2.48±.920) and quality of life (14.13±20.75) were estimated on the average level. There is a statistically significant relationship between self-efficacy and quality of life for breast cancer patients with a probability value (p<0.01), there is a significant relationship between age, education, income and self-efficacy (p < 0.05), and there is a statistically significant relationship between age, marital status, occupational status, income and quality of life (p<0.05). Based on the significant positive relation found between self-efficacy and quality of life it's recommended to hold some training courses for these patients, have a physiologist and psychiatric nurse in chemotherapy department, and prepare more palliative care to raise the breast cancer patients' self-efficacy which finally leads to a better quality of life. Keywords: Self-efficacy, health related quality of life, breast cancer