[Complex supportive care of patients with breast cancer. The preliminary results of a psychological intervention study]

Introduction: Interdisciplinary studies confirm that the traumatic nature of cancer diagnosis and the long course of treatment may often lead to a series of emotional problems among cancer patients, this way precluding physical and psychological recovery. Aim: The aim of the study was to create a complex psychosocial intervention program for breast cancer patients and to present our preliminary results. Method: In our 6 week long study, 50 breast cancer patients were assessed. The intervention group comprised of 20 patients, the control group comprised of 30 patients. Measurements included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Spielberger State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Surgical Fear Questionnaire (SFQ), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Breast (FACT-B) and the Breast-Impact of Treatment Scale (BITS). Therapeutic tools used were the PRISM-D and the Body-Sculpture Test. Results: Our results indicate that the psychological interventions may have an instant stress-relieving and calming effect on our patients, this way providing social support. The type of surgery significantly influenced the levels of body change stress. Conclusion: Our results highlight the importance of early psychological screening among breast cancer patients before and after surgery as well. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(18): 700-709.

[The reliability and validity of the Hungarian version of the Surgical Fear Questionnaire]

INTRODUCTION

Interdisciplinary studies confirm that surgical fear experienced by patients can have a substantial effect on the outcome of the surgery and the healing process after surgery.

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Hungarian version of the Surgical Fear Questionnaire in cancer patients.

METHOD

149 patients were assessed using the Spielberger Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Visual Analogue Scale and the Surgical Fear Questionnaire.

RESULTS

The scale showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach-alfa = 0.878; 0.885). The Surgical Fear Questionnaire scores moderately correlated with anxiety, depression and anticipated pain after surgery.

CONCLUSION

The reliability and validity of the Hungarian version of the Surgical Fear Questionnaire in the sample were excellent. The questionnaire turned out to be a useful psychometric tool in the measurement of surgical fear. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(47): 1988-1993.

[Fear and avoidance beliefs in chronic pain. The translation and validation of the Hungarian version of the FABQ questionnaire]

INTRODUCTION

Chronic low back pain is one of the top reasons for seeking medical advice. In the background of the dysfunction besides the somatic pain dysfunctional thinking, negative emotional states, or interpersonal problems can be identified as well. One of the most important factors making the rehabilitation difficult is the fear and avoidance of physical activity.

AIM

The aim of the study was to adapt and validate the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ-H) in Hungarian.

METHODS

The FABQ (16 items) was translated into Hungarian and filled in by 90 patients suffering from low back pain for at least three months. For cross validation the FABQ-H results of 43 patients were compared with pain intensity the Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire (ODI), the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ), the Zung Depression Scale (Zung) and the Pain Catastrophising Scale (PCS).

RESULTS

The internal consistency of the FABQ-H was good: the Cronbach's alpha was 0.8. Correlation analysis revealed that the FABQ showed significant correlation only with the Pain Catastrophising Scale (r = 0.373, p = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

Our results confirm that the FABQ-H is a valid questionnaire that can be well implemented. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(24): 949-955.