Asian Oncol Nurs.  2022 Mar;22(1):11-20. 10.5388/aon.2022.22.1.11.

Self-Concept and Psychosocial Well-Being among Korean Women with BRCA1/2 Gene Mutations

• Lee K
• Kim DR

• KMID: 2528112
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5388/aon.2022.22.1.11

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to examine the level of self-concept and psychosocial well-being among women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations and to identify factors affecting their psychosocial well-being.
Methods
A cross-sectional design was used. Data were collected from an online community comprising Korean patients with breast cancer and their families. A total of 98 women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations completed the online questionnaire comprising the BRCA self-concept scale, the psychosocial well-being index-short form, demographic characteristics, and disease-related characteristics. Descriptive statistics, frequencies, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression were used for data analysis.
Results
The total self-concept level at 82.13±15.45 (range: 17~119), and the psychosocial well-being level at 28.81±9.51 (range: 0~54) indicated a high-risk group of psychosocial well-being among the surveyed women with BRCA gene mutations compared with Korean general office workers. Self-concept (β=.57, p<.001) and monthly family income (≥4,500 USD)(β=-.24, p=.048) significantly affected the psychosocial well-being of women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations.
Conclusion
The level of self-concept and psychosocial well-being of women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations should be assessed carefully, and tailored consultation and educational programs should be developed to overcome a negative self-concept. Supportive systems for financially vulnerable women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations should be considered.

Keyword

BRCA1/2 mutation; Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome; Breast neoplasms; Self-concept; Psychosocial well-being