1669P - The burden of shame and guilt: Quality of life in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer – A preliminary study

Background

Studies have shown that patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) experience shame and/or guilt due to the association of HPV with sexual transmission. Likewise, such feelings were also reported by cervical cancer (CC) patients. Understanding the similarities or differences in the relationship between guilt, shame, and quality of life (QoL) among these two groups might shed light on effective psychosocial interventions.

Methods

The study employed a cross-sectional design. Patients diagnosed with CIN (n=105, 11.42% CIN 1, 15.23% CIN 2, 58.09% CIN 3, 8.57% unknown) and CC (n=87, 16.09% stage 1, 17.24% stage 2, 36.78% stage 3, 8.04% stage 4, 8.04% were diagnosed with CIN that later progressed, 8.04% were uncertain about their stage at diagnosis, 5.74% unknown) who were recruited through social networks specific to CIN and CC patients completed self-report questionnaires assessing demographic information, medical history, QoL, and feelings of shame and guilt.

Results

The preliminary results revealed a significant negative association between both guilt and shame and QoL in both groups. However, no significant difference in QoL was found between CIN and CC patients (57.12, 52.26 respectively, p=0.1). Additionally, a significant higher level of guilt was reported by CIN patients (13.42) compared to CC patients (10.26) (d=0.58, p=0.0001). There was no significant difference in shame reported by CIN patients compared to CC patients (12.8, 11.37 respectively, p=0.07).

Conclusions

The findings underscore the detrimental role of shame and guilt in the perception of QoL of patients with CIN and CC. Addressing these negative feelings through targeted interventions may be crucial for improving overall well-being in these populations and enhancing their coping mechanisms. Further research involving a larger sample size may provide deeper insights into the differences and similarities between CIN and CC patients.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

HaBait Shel Bar - Israel Women's Cancer Association (RA) in collaboration with Ariel University.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.