Stress and Coping Strategies Assessment With Pss-10 Scale and the Brief Cope Scale Among Cancer Patients in a Hospital, Banke, Nepal

Abstract

Cancer patients often experience significant psychological distress throughout their diagnosis, treatment, and recovery phases. This study conducted at Sushil Koirala Prakhar Cancer Hospital in Khajura, Banke, Nepal, aimed to explore stress levels and coping strategies among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. A hospitalbased

cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the Brief COPE scale. A total of 384 cancer patients participated in the study. Results indicated that a majority of patients reported moderate stress levels, with significant associations found between stress levels and marital status, place of residence, and occupation. Approach coping strategies were predominantly utilised by patients, highlighting active coping mechanisms such as emotional support, positive reframing, and humour. The findings underscore the need for tailored psychosocial interventions to mitigate stress and enhance coping strategies among cancer patients in similar settings.