Coping and adaptation of adults with cancer: the art of nursing care

Abstract

Objective: To determine the coping and adaptive capabilities in patients with cancer undergoing treatment. Methodology: This was a quantitative and descriptive cross-sectional study; the sample consisted of 100 patients with a cancer diagnosis who received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy treatment between June and August 2019, meeting the inclusion criteria. The Coping and Adaptation Processing Scale (CAPS) was used. Results: 53 % of the patients participating in the study presented high coping and adaptive capabilities; 40 % presented medium capabilities, and 7 % presented low capabilities. Conclusion: Continuous follow-up is extremely important throughout the disease process; having a romantic partner becomes a protective factor since patients feel heard and cared for, which motivates them to follow through with the treatment. In the nursing field, knowing the experience of those who live with an illness allows for transcending and impacting care by providing holistic attention to patients.