THE EFFECT OF UNCERTAINTY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ON QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG VIETNAMESE WOMEN WITH POST MASTECTOMY

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test the effect of the Uncertainty Management Program (UMP) on quality of life among Vietnamese women at 3-weeks post mastectomy. The quasi-experimental design with posttest only was conducted in 115 women with post mastectomy who were assigned in experimental group (n=57) and control group (n=58). The experimental group received the UMP and routine care while the control group received only routine care. Participants were assessed at 3-weeks post mastectomy using the modified Quality of Life Index Scale Vietnamese version with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of .81. It was found that at 3-weeks post-mastectomy, the mean score of QOL in the experimental group was significantly higher than the mean score of QOL in the control group (t=7.71, p <.001). In addition, it was found that 4 dimensions of QOL in the experimental group, namely psychological well-being, physical wellbeing, body image and social concerns, were significantly higher than those of the control group (t=7.48, 8.83, 4.37, and 6.25, p < .001). However, the treatment responses of women in both groups were not different at 3-weeks post-mastectomy. In summary, the UMP could improve quality of life of breast cancer patients at 3-weeks post mastectomy.