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

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.