Coping profile of pediatric clients with cancer and their overt behaviors during treatment : basis for coping skills enhancement / Grace C. Antoni 6

Thesis (M.A.) -- Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Intramuros, Manila, 2004.;A thesis presented to the faculty of Graduate School of Arts, Sciences, Education, and Nursing, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Nursing. 56

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ABSTRACT. This study was done in order to determine the coping profile of pediatric clients with cancer and their overt behaviors during treatment, the result of the study was used as a basis for coping skills enhancement aimed to sustain and develop the positive approach of these patients. The researcher tested if there is a significant relationship between the coping profiles of these clients and their dominant overt behaviors during treatment. The descriptive method was used involving one hundred four (104) pediatric clients with cancer together with their attending physicians at the hematology/oncology ward, radiotherapy department and OPD Complex of Dr. Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center. Incidental sampling technique was utilized and the respondents were qualified based on the set criteria. A survey questionnaire adopted from Rudolf H. Moos was utilized as the main data gathering instrument for the patients, while a checklist was distributed for their attending physicians. The statistical treatments of the data that were utilized are in the form of weighted frequencies, weighted mean, equivalent T-score of weighted mean, and Spearman rho Rank Order Correlation Coefficient. Findings showed that the eight coping responses of pediatric clients with cancer aging from seven to seventeen years old are considerably above average. Cognitive avoidance ranked highest followed by seeking alternative rewards, seeking guidance and support, emotional discharge, positive reappraisal, acceptance or resignation, logical analysis, and problem solving respectively. Pediatric clients with cancer aging from seven to seventeen years old are cooperative during their treatment as assessed and evaluated by their attending physicians. Follows instructions during doctor's rounds and examinations was ranked highest, followed taking oral medications, taking enough rest and sleep as advised by the physician, eats appropriate diet as advised by the physician, follows instruction during diagnostic examinations and special procedures like bone marrow aspirations, etc., and observes necessary precautions and restrictions on activities as instructed by the physician. On the other hand, the two weak behaviors or least expressed are behaves properly (no tantrums, crying, and acting-out) and behaves during extractions of blood specimens for diagnostic purposes. With the formulated hypothesis tested at 0.05 level of significance, data showed that there is no significant relationship between the coping profile of pediatric clients with cancer and their overt behaviors during treatment. Based on the findings, art therapy was adopted from Favara-Scacco (2001) in order for these children to sustain and develop their positive approach. It is a non-verbal and creative modality that develops coping skills. It is a useful intervention that can prevent trauma and support children and parents during intrusive interventions of cancer treatment.

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