Abstract:
The aim of this study was to test the effect of the Uncertainty Management Program (UMP) on quality of life among Vietnamese women at 3-weeks post mastectomy. The quasi-experimental design with posttest only was conducted in 115 women with post mastectomy who were assigned in experimental group (n=57) and control group (n=58). The experimental group received the UMP and routine care while the control group received only routine care. Participants were assessed at 3-weeks post mastectomy using the modified Quality of Life Index Scale Vietnamese version with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of .81. It was found that at 3-weeks post-mastectomy, the mean score of QOL in the experimental group was significantly higher than the mean score of QOL in the control group (t=7.71, p <.001). In addition, it was found that 4 dimensions of QOL in the experimental group, namely psychological well-being, physical wellbeing, body image and social concerns, were significantly higher than those of the control group (t=7.48, 8.83, 4.37, and 6.25, p < .001). However, the treatment responses of women in both groups were not different at 3-weeks post-mastectomy. In summary, the UMP could improve quality of life of breast cancer patients at 3-weeks post mastectomy.
