Emotional adjustment and quality of life in men undergoing prostate biopsy

Abstract

Background The incidence of prostate cancer in men has risen and numbers undergoing a prostate needle biopsy have increased correspondingly. While biopsy can be associated with adverse side effects, evidence of its psychological impact is lacking. This study assessed the relative importance of stress appraisal, self-efficacy and personality in predicting adjustment in men facing the threat of a cancer diagnosis. Method Men attending a Rapid Access Prostate Clinic for a biopsy (N=115) participated in the study. Psychological variables included global stress measured by the Perceived Stress scale (PSS) and General Self Efficacy ( GSES) and Sense of Coherence ( SOC ). Adjustment was measured by the profile of mood states (POMS) and quality of life (EORTC QLC – C30 ). Demographic data was also gathered. Findings Hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that the set of predictors accounted for 46% of variance on total mood and 17% on global quality of life. Discussion Perceived stress emerged as the strongest predictor across all subscales. This is an important finding as stress has rarely been examined in this context. Research and clinical implications are discussed.