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Supportive Care in Cancer

Published in:

09-07-2022 | Review Article

The influence of socio-demographics and clinical characteristics on coping strategies in cancer patients: a systematic review

Authors: Rossella Bottaro, Palmira Faraci

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 11/2022

Abstract

Objectives

Cancer is a frequent illness and a traumatic experience for both patients and their families. This systematic review aims to analyse studies that examine socio-demographic and clinical characteristics that predict the coping strategies in cancer patients.

Methods

From January 2000 to March 2021, the database searches were conducted in 7 different databases, using relevant keywords. According to PRISMA Statements, full-text, peer-reviewed articles in English which used socio-demographics as independent variables and coping as dependent variables were included.

Results

Of 1101 abstracts and titles, 30 full-text papers were included. Overall results showed a great influence of socio-demographic characteristics (such as women, younger, in a relationship, with high educational level, with active work status, and high income) on positive coping strategies adopted by cancer patients. Regarding clinical characteristics, no-metastatic patients who have recently been diagnosed, especially in the early stage of cancer, and who know the characteristics of their illness and treatments, more frequently used adaptive coping strategies.

Conclusions

Both socio-demographics and clinical characteristics showed considerable influence on the coping strategies adopted by patients in most of the investigations. These results supported the assessment of basic patients’ information (sociodemographic and clinical characteristics) as fundamental to quickly outline an efficient, supportive, and holistic taking-over, before all the essential and in-depth considerations.

Trial registration

This systematic review was recorded in PROSPERO with the registration number: CRD42021254776.

Available only for authorised users

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Bottaro R, Craparo G, Faraci P (n.d.) What is the direction of the association between social support and coping in cancer patients? A systematic review [Manuscript submitted for pubblication]. Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Kore University of Enna

Title: The influence of socio-demographics and clinical characteristics on coping strategies in cancer patients: a systematic review
Authors: Rossella Bottaro
Palmira Faraci
Publication date: 09-07-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 11/2022
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-022-07267-0

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Objectives

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