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01-10-2012 | Original Article

Demoralization syndrome among cancer outpatients in Taiwan

Authors: Cheng-Yang Lee, Chun-Kai Fang, Yuh-Cheng Yang, Chien-Liang Liu, Yi-Shing Leu, Tsang-En Wang, Yi-Fang Chang, Ruey-Kuen Hsieh, Yu-Jen Chen, Li-Yun Tsai, Shen-Ing Liu, Hong-Wen Chen

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 10/2012

Abstract

Goals

This paper aims to explore characteristics of demoralization syndrome as well as the relationship between demoralization syndrome and psychosocial issues as seen through examinations of cancer outpatients in Taiwan.

Materials and methods

Outpatients with different cancer types were enrolled in this study. The Demoralization Scale Mandarin Version (DS-MV), Patient Health Questionnaire, Beck Hopelessness Scale, and McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire—Taiwan Version were used as instruments. All data were analyzed using SPSS 18.0.

Results

Among the 234 patients studied (97 men and 223 women), the majority had cervical cancer (29.1%), followed by breast cancer (26.5%) and head and neck cancer (24.3%). The mean score of DS-MV was 31.05 (SD 14.87). The results of ANOVA analysis showed a significant effect of occupation F(4.209) = 7.145 (p < 0.001), cancer diagnosis F(7.206) = 3.795 (p < 0.001), and treatment F(8.206) = 3.553 (p < 0.001) on DS-MV.

Conclusions

Demoralization syndrome was found to be related to psychosocial issues, different cancer types, and treatments. Further studies are recommended to better understand causes and impacts of demoralization in the quality of life and care of cancer patients.

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Title: Demoralization syndrome among cancer outpatients in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng-Yang Lee
Chun-Kai Fang
Yuh-Cheng Yang
Chien-Liang Liu
Yi-Shing Leu
Tsang-En Wang
Yi-Fang Chang
Ruey-Kuen Hsieh
Yu-Jen Chen
Li-Yun Tsai
Shen-Ing Liu
Hong-Wen Chen
Publication date: 01-10-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 10/2012
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-011-1332-4

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