Illness perception and posttraumatic stress symptoms in patients with cancer

The objective of this study is to investigate the associations between illness perception and posttraumatic stress symptoms among cancer patients undergoing treatment. A total of 60 participants were interviewed from a private hospital in New Delhi, who have been undergoing treatment for cancer across various stages. The data was obtained by using the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire and PTSD Symptom Scale. To ascertain the significant associations between illness perception and posttraumatic stress symptoms, correlation and t-test were conducted. By data analyses, it was found that there is significant relationship on the level of illness perception and posttraumatic stress symptoms in both male and female cancer patients. On the other hand, no significant difference was found between the two genders on either illness perception or posttraumatic stress symptoms. However, both the genders are likely to display similar symptoms across all dimensions. In conclusion, it is important for the medical practitioners, as well as mental health professionals to develop strategies in order to maintain a positive illness perception of the patients, so as to not lead them towards developing serious psychiatric conditions like posttraumatic stress disorder.