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This research aims to describe barriers to pain self-management in cancer patients at an oncology center.

March 2, 2026Open Access

The Current Situation of Barriers to Pain Self-Management Among Cancer Patients Treated at the Oncology – Nuclear Medicine Center, Vinh Phuc General Hospital

Key Points

This research aims to describe barriers to pain self-management in cancer patients at an oncology center.
Conducted a cross-sectional study with 116 cancer patients between January and June 2023.
Utilized validated questionnaires such as BQ-II, PSEQ, MMAS-8, PHQ-2, ECOG/WHO PS, and BPI-sfvn for data collection.
Analyzed data using SPSS 22.0.
Cognitive barriers scored an average of 2.22 ± 0.48, with drug tolerance and immune suppression as major concerns.
Pain self-efficacy was low, with a mean score of 24.97 ± 10.91 out of 60.
Medication adherence averaged 7.29 ± 1.91 out of 11; 50% showed high adherence while 25% had low adherence.
35.3% of patients showed signs of major depressive disorder, and 43.1% had poor performance status.
Average pain levels were moderate at 3.64 ± 1.50, with severe pain reaching 5.14 ± 1.66.

Abstract

Objective: To describe the current situation of barriers to pain self-management among cancer patients treated at the Oncology – Nuclear Medicine Center, Vinh Phuc General Hospital. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 116 cancer patients from January to June 2023. Data were collected using BQ-II, PSEQ, MMAS-8, PHQ-2, ECOG/WHO PS, and BPI-sfvn. SPSS 22.0 was applied for data analysis. Results: The mean score of cognitive barriers was 2.22 ± 0.48 (moderate level), with the greatest concerns being drug tolerance (3.30 ± 0.97) and immune suppression (2.89 ± 1.26). Pain self-efficacy was low (24.97 ± 10.91/60). The mean medication adherence score was 7.29 ± 1.91/11, with 50% showing high adherence and 25% low adherence. About 35.3% of patients had suspected major depressive disorder, 43.1% had poor performance status, and the average pain level was moderate (3.64 ± 1.50), with the worst pain remaining high (5.14 ± 1.66). Conclusions: Cancer patients still face multiple barriers to pain self-management, including concerns about analgesics, low self-efficacy, uneven adherence, depression, and poor performance status. Nurses play a crucial role in patient education, psychological support, and monitoring treatment adherence, in conjunction with multidisciplinary care, to enhance pain control and improve quality of life.

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