Correlation of uncertainty in illness with negative emotions and coping style in patients with bladder tumor

Objective To explore the correlation of uncertainty in illness with anxiety, depression, and coping style in patients with bladder tumor. Methods Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale for Adults (MUIS-A), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), and Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ) were used to investigate 114 patients with bladder tumor. Results 83.0% of the patients had moderate levels of uncertainty in illness. The incidence of anxiety was 28.9%, and that of depression 21.1%. The total scores of uncertainty in illness, uncertainty, complexity, lack of information, and unpredictability were positively correlated with the scores of anxiety and depression (P<0.01). The total scores of uncertainty in illness, complexity, and lack of information were negatively correlated with confronce (P<0.01). The total scores of uncertainty in illness, uncertainty, lack of information, and unpredictability were positively correlated with avoidance (P<0.01). The total scores of uncertainty in illness, uncertainty, complexity, lack of information, and unpredictability were positively correlated with resignation (P<0.01). Conclusion Nurses should encourage patients to adopt positive coping styles, reduce their uncertainty, anxiety, and depression, and promote their rehabilitation. Key words: Bladder tumor; Uncertainty in illness; Anxiety; Depression; Coping style