Int J Palliat Nurs. 2024 Apr 2;30(4):160-169. doi: 10.12968/ijpn.2024.30.4.160.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Uncertainty is the inability to define the meaning of illness-related events, which may result in anxiety, depression, poor coping, the self-perception of being a burden and low quality of life. Uncertainty among Thai patients with advanced-stage lung cancer (ASLC) has not been well documented.

AIMS: To assess uncertainty in patients with ASLC.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Data were collected from 60 patients with ASLC at a university hospital. A demographic data form and the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale (MUIS) were used to collect data. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: The patients had moderate levels of uncertainty in illness (83.73±15.25). Ambiguity about the illness and unpredictability of the prognosis scored at a moderate level for patients, while complexity of treatment and the system of care and inconsistency or lack of information, about the diagnosis or severity of the illness were at a low level.

CONCLUSION: The results of this study may help healthcare professionals better understand and manage uncertainty in patients with ASLC.

PMID:38630643 | DOI:10.12968/ijpn.2024.30.4.160