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American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine®, Vol. 17, No. 5, 327-332 (2000)
DOI: 10.1177/104990910001700510

Self-esteem in a palliative care population

Mahrukh Babar, MA

Department of Palliative Medicine, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Lahore, Pakistan

Sheikh Moeen ul Haq, MD

Department of Palliative Medicine, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Lahore, Pakistan

Objective. To study the effects of palliative care treatment in cancer patients, on their self-esteem.

Design and setting. It was a cross-sectional study conducted at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Lahore, Pakistan (SKMCH & RC).

Participants. A total of 60 referred cancer patients receiving palliative care were interviewed using the Mehrabian self-esteem scale (MSE). No follow-up was required. All the patients were over 16 years of age. The sample was not restricted to any one type of cancer. Since lack of education could be a contributing factor, only patients who had a minimum of an eighth-grade education were included in the study.

Results. Four variables were studied: gender, age, diagnostic-related group, and performance status. Performance status was determined using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Scale (ECOG). The only significant correlation was between self-esteem and performance status, with a p value of 0.04.

Conclusion. We conclude that the patients who are functionally active (not disabled) have a higher level of self-esteem, as compared to those who are disabled. This is quite understandable, as the patients who are not dependent on others for their needs feel worthy, resulting in higher self-esteem. This was the first study of its kind done in Pakistan. We identified two limitations. First, the sample size was small. Second, although the Mehrabian self-esteem scale is a valid, reliable, and standardized scale, it was not standardized for the population of Pakistan.


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