The Effects of the Training Program and Counseling Program Given to Women Who Underwent a Mastectomy and Spouses

This study focused on assessing the effects of the training program and counseling program given to women who underwent a mastectomy and their spouses. Sixty women and 60 spouses were recruited for this study. The women in the experimental group and their spouses were provided with a four-session training program, once a week. Following this training, a 3-month follow-up and counseling were given and an assessment made. There was significant difference between average post-test scores of spouses in the experimental and control groups, in terms of problem solving (p = .003), communication (p = .033), and roles (p = .000) dimensions of family assessment device (FAD). Noting that women in the experimental and control groups demonstrated significant differences among average post-test scores in terms of role emotional (p = .045) and mental health (p = .017) dimensions of Quality of Life Scale (SF-36), a significant difference existed among average post-test scores of spouses in the experimental and control groups in terms of general health (p = .017), role physical (p = .011), role emotional (p = .003), and mental health (p = .005) dimensions of Quality of Life Scale. These results indicated that training and counseling program provided to this population produced positive effects upon family functioning and quality of life.
Source: Journal of Cancer Education - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research