Effectiveness of teaching regarding individualized coping strategy on self-esteem of cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy in selected cancer research institute, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Cancer is a major public health problem in developed and developing countries. The cancer diagnosis and its treatment process bring important changes to the way of living with physical and emotional changes due to discomfort, pain, deformity, dependence and loss of self-esteem.

To determine the effectiveness of teaching on self-esteem of cancer patients.

A quantitative research approach with Time Series Design (one group pre-test post-test) was used. The study was conducted in Cancer Research Institute, Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Consecutive sampling technique was used to select the study subjects. Data was collected from 52 cancer patients by using Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale on 1^st day, 7^th day, 14^th day and 21^st day of Radiation therapy. Intervention, Teaching regarding Individualized coping strategy was given to them twice in a week for four weeks.

Results revealed that there was a gradual increase in self-esteem mean from 1^st day to 7^th day to 14^th day to 21^st day with mean 16.48 ± 2.90, 16.48 ±3.10, 17.78±2.91 and 19.07± 2.38 and p value was.001 (<.05) which shows significant difference in self-esteem mean from 1^st day to 21^st day. At baseline assessment more than half of the participants (52.8%) were having low level of self-esteem. 45.3% participants was having moderate level of self-esteem. On 7^th day, maximum (55.8%) participants were having moderate self-esteem. No participant was having high level of self-esteem. On 14^th day, 69.2% participants were having moderate self-esteem. On 21^st day, number of participants with moderate self-esteem increased to 92.3%. No participant was having high self-esteem. Statistically significant association was found between baseline self-esteem score and gender p value.002(<.05).

It was concluded that the teaching regarding Individualized coping strategy was significantly effective in improving self-esteem and quality of life of cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.