PSYCHOSOCIAL DISTRESS, BODY IMAGE PERCEPTION, AND COPING MECHANISMS AMONG BREAST CANCER PATIENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AT A TERTIARY HEALTH FACILITY IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA.

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide, often leaving survivors with significant psychological distress and altered body image. Understanding these psychosocial challenges and the coping mechanisms used is crucial for providing holistic care.

Aim: This study assessed the prevalence of psychological distress, body image perception, and coping mechanisms among breast cancer survivors and explored the relationship between coping strategies and body image perception.

Methods: A cross-sectional study recruited 160 adult female breast cancer survivors (mean age 42.77±7.50 years). Data were collected using structured questionnaires, including the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) for distress, a psychosocial support scale, a body image perception tool, and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief COPE) inventory. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and t-tests.

Results: High rates of distress were observed: 57.5% of respondents reported psychological distress, and 62.5% experienced body image dissatisfaction. Psychosocial support was low for 51.9% of participants. The most common coping mechanisms were "religion" and "active coping". Higher body image distress was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with both adaptive (active coping, acceptance, religion) and maladaptive (selfdistraction, denial, venting, behavioural disengagement, self-blame) coping strategies.

Conclusion: Psychological distress and body image dissatisfaction are highly prevalent in this group of breast cancer survivors. These findings underscore the need for early, targeted psycho-oncological interventions that address the complex relationship between body image distress and reliance on both adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies.