The relationship of out-of-pocket expenses to quality of life and disease coping in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE: This studywas carried outto determine the relationship of out-of-pocket expenses to qualityof life and disease coping in breast cancer patients receiving outpatient treatment in a chemotherapy unit. METHODS: This was a descriptive and correlational survey study. The sample of the study consisted of 322 breast cancer patients. An embedded mixed design, in which quantitative and qualitative research methods are employed together, was used in the research. Quantitative data were collected using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast and the Coping and Adaptation Processing Scale. RESULTS: After the qualitative interviews held with the patients, it was determined that the diagnosis and treatment of cancer affected the patients physically, mentally, socially, and economically, they spent out-of-pocket, and these expenses affected their quality of life. CONCLUSION: It can be said that the out-of-pocket expenses of breast cancer patients during the chemotherapy treatment affected their quality of life, disease coping, and adaptation.