Investigation of grief process on patients with cancer

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate grief continuum on patient who have been diagnosed with cancer. Method: This descriptive and analytical research was conducted between September 15th and October 31st, 2020 as online survey due to difficulties expericed COVID-19 pandemic. The sample of research was formed 408 cancer patient who were reached through cancer groups on social media. Data were collected by using "Descriptive Information Question Form", "Prolonged Grief Disorder Scale-Patient Form (PGD)", "Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)" and "Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS)". The tests of percentage, and average were used to assess descriptive data. One Way ANOVA, t-Test and Post Hoc Bonferroni test were used as to compare identify distinctness of data. Pearson Correlation test was applied to identify correlations. In addition, Multi-Regression Test was performed to determine predictor factor upon correlated variables. Findings: 82.2% of the participants were women and the average age was 47.05 ± 10.46. It was found that mean of PGD were significantly higher on participants who are primary-secondary school graduates, not working actively, having lower social-economic income, having metastasis. Most of patient's cancer treatments were not affected and interrupted by COVID-19 pandemic. There was determined statistically significant poor negative correlation among the score of PGD and age, MPSS and statistically significant strong positive correlation among the score of PGD and anxiety and depression. These variables explained at the rate of %57 on PGD. It was revealed that anxiety was a predictor factor of PGD in a result of multi regression test. Conclusion and Recommendation: According the results, firstly the score of PGD were higher on patients who have low social-economic income, do not working, have metastasis and have treatments interrupted cancer treatments by COVID-19 pandemic. Secondly, the score of PGD was decreasing with age and increasing with anxiety and depression. Lastly anxiety was a predictor of PGD. In the light of the finding and the results, suggestions have been determined as following. Firstly, oncology and CLP nurses and physicians who work with cancer patient, should have the awareness that cancer patient might have PGD. Secondly, the patients who have high level anxiety or diagnosed with anxiety disorder should be scanned in terms of PGD. Lastly, the effectiveness of the initiatives for PGD should be evaluated for future research. Key Words: Prolonged grief disorder, Cancer Patient, Anxiety, Depression, Social Support