Background: Worldwide, breast cancer is a significant health issue for women. The
removal of one or both breasts in women can frequently result in physical complications, emotional
struggles like depression and stress, and issues in marital relationships. Aim: The study aimed to
evaluate the effect of educational-supportive program about therapeutic exercises on women's
physical, psychological and marital status undergoing mastectomy. Design: Quasi-experimental
research (two groups, ″control - study″) design was utilized to fulfill the aim of this research.
Setting: Early breast cancer detection unit affiliated to Benha Faculty of Medicine and General &
Oncology Surgery Ward. Sample: A purposive sample of (86) women, the sample was divided into
two groups (study group involved 43 women, while control group involved 43 women. Tools: Data
collection involved six primary tools, including a structured self-administered questionnaire and the
Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating scale, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Shoulder ability and function
questionnaire, anxiety, depression, and stress scale and ENRICH marital satisfaction scale. Results:
Following the implementation of the educational support program on therapeutic exercises, the
study group experienced significantly lower average scores for pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety,
and stress compared to the control group. Moreover, the study group showed markedly higher
average scores for shoulder function and marital satisfaction than the control group. Conclusion:
Educational-supportive program about therapeutic exercises had a positive effect on women's
physical, psychological and marital status of women undergoing mastectomy. Recommendation:
The elements of an educational supportive program should be included as a key component of the
treatment plan for women undergoing mastectomy. |
