Publication: Illness experience and coping with gynecological cancer among Northeast Thai female patients
Issued Date
2000-09-01
Resource Type
ISSN
01251562
Other identifier(s)
2-s2.0-0034280870
Rights
Mahidol University
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health. Vol.31, No.3 (2000), 547-553
Suggested Citation
Amornrat Ratanasiri, Pimpawun Boonmongkon, Preecha Upayokin, Prasit Pengsaa, Vanchai Vatanasapt Illness experience and coping with gynecological cancer among Northeast Thai female patients. Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health. Vol.31, No.3 (2000), 547-553. Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/26189
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Authors
Journal Issue
Thesis
Title
Illness experience and coping with gynecological cancer among Northeast Thai female patients
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
This quantitative and qualitative study describes the illness experience and the coping mechanisms of cervical cancer patients. Interviews were performed with 208 cervical cancer patients to determine their health seeking behavior and illness beliefs. Most began their treatment at local health services and district hospitals, and sought treatment in up to four different places before coming to the University Hospital. Most of the respondents were not sure about the cause of cervical cancer, and waited to see their symptoms before seeking treatment. Most perceived their condition as at an early stage. The qualitative research consisted of interviews with 79 selected patients and identified stigmatization from family and community members, problems with sexuality, and varied belief in meaning and causation of the disease. Many of the problems faced were coped with because of support from husbands, family and the community. It is recommended that better recording of patient data would allow a better follow-up service, and improved information for relatives would help them to understand the patient's problems, with both of these contributing to a better recovery environment for patients.