Perceived difficulties and coping as predictors of adaptation among cancer nurses

Aim: The purpose of this study was to prepare scales to assess the difficulties, coping, and adaptation experienced by nurses involved with cancer care in order to extract the constructing factors of each scale and to investigate the correlations between the scales and sociodemographic-related factors. Methods: The subjects were 155 full-time staff nurses who provided care to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy at outpatient, day-care or short-stay wards in 14 oncology and general hospitals throughout Japan. The participants completed a questionnaire that consisted of questions relating to demographic information and three item lists: the difficulties, coping, and adaptation associated with providing care to patients undergoing cancer therapy. Results: Based on the results of the factor analysis for each scale, four factors of the Difficulties scale, three factors of the Coping scale, and five factors of the Adaptation scale were identified. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed by using the Adaptation scale score as a criterion variable and the Difficulties and Coping scale scores, and demographic factors as independent variables. The standardized partial regression coefficient was significant for coping and age in descending order. Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that coping plays a significant role as a predictor of adaptation.