Self-efficacy in long-term prostate cancer survivors

This study assessed self-efficacy (SE) among long-term prostate cancer survivors after radical prostatectomy and explored associated factors. As part of the nationwide project “Familial Prostate Cancer”, long-term prostate cancer survivors completed a follow-up survey, which included the validated General Self-Efficacy Short Scale (GSE-3). Sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial data were collected, including quality of life (QoL), symptoms of depression or anxiety, benefit finding, happiness, and perceived disease severity. Variables independently associated with SE were identified using a multiple linear regression analysis. 2534 prostate cancer survivors (mean age: 79.9 ± 6.4 years; mean follow-up: 18.3 ± 3.8 years post-RP) were included. The majority of men (97.0 %) were still undergoing regular follow-up. The mean SE score was 4.0 ± 0.7 (possible range 1–5). Lower SE was observed in men who were older, had lower educational level, poorer subjective economic status, another malignancy during lifetime, and were currently under treatment (all p < 0.05). Additionally, lower SE was associated with poorer QoL, reduced benefit finding, lower happiness, higher levels of depression and anxiety symptoms, and higher perceived disease severity (all p < 0.01). The regression model revealed independent associations between lower SE and older age, lower educational status, lower QoL, lower happiness and higher level of anxiety (all p < 0.05). General self-efficacy was rather high among long-term prostate cancer survivors. Sociodemographic and psychological variables, but no clinical parameters, were independently associated with SE. Implementing interventions aimed at enhancing SE during follow-up care – particularly among older survivors, those with lower educational level, and symptoms of anxiety – could improve SE and thus positively affect QoL.