Self-esteem in a palliative care population

Abstract

Objective. To study the effects of palliative care treatment in cancer patients, on their self-esteem.

Design and setting. It was a cross-sectional study conducted at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Lahore, Pakistan (SKMCH & RC).

Participants. A total of 60 referred cancer patients receiving palliative care were interviewed using the Mehrabian self-esteem scale (MSE). No follow-up was required. All the patients were over 16 years of age. The sample was not restricted to any one type of cancer. Since lack of education could be a contributing factor, only patients who had a minimum of an eighth-grade education were included in the study.

Results. Four variables were studied: gender, age, diagnostic-related group, and performance status. Performance status was determined using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Scale (ECOG). The only significant correlation was between self-esteem and performance status, with a p value of 0.04.

Conclusion. We conclude that the patients who are functionally active (not disabled) have a higher level of self-esteem, as compared to those who are disabled. This is quite understandable, as the patients who are not dependent on others for their needs feel worthy, resulting in higher self-esteem. This was the first study of its kind done in Pakistan. We identified two limitations. First, the sample size was small. Second, although the Mehrabian self-esteem scale is a valid, reliable, and standardized scale, it was not standardized for the population of Pakistan.