The Effect of Prostate Cancer Support Groups on Uncertainty in Prostate Cancer
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the amount of uncertainty experienced by men with prostate cancer who attended a support group and those who did not. The theoretical framework utilized Mishel's Uncertainty in Illness Model. The model has been extensively tested in a variety of chronic illnesses including malignant neoplasms. Uncertainty was measured using the Mishel's Uncertainty in Illness Scale Community form (MUIS-C), a tool specifically designed for use in an outpatient setting. To measure uncertainty in prostate cancer patients attending a support group, the study surveyed a convenience sample of men from a prostate cancer support group sponsored by a large hospital in the Northeastern United States. To compose a control group the survey was also mailed to a random sample of men with prostate cancer provided by the Center for Prostate Disease Research. Eighty-nine surveys were completed: 20 men were members of a support group and 69 who were not. The data revealed that uncertainty was similar for the two groups, as their scores were nearly identical.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- AD1012346
Entities
People
- James L. Sall
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences