Evaluation of Happiness in Breast Cancer Patients Referring to Hospitals in Ahvaz, Iran

Breast cancer is a horrific event for many women, creating psychological and social challenges. Therefore, identifying the moderators of these challenges, including happiness, is of paramount importance. This study aimed to evaluate the happiness level in breast cancer patients referring to the hospitals in Ahvaz, Iran, in 2015 - 2016. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 118 breast cancer women who referred to the hospitals in Ahvaz. A non-probability consecutive sampling method was used to select the participants. The Oxford Happiness Questionnaire was used for data collection. The mean happiness score of the participants was 40.45 ± 16.20, and most participants (56.8%) had a moderate happiness level. There were no significant associations between demographic data and therapeutic characteristics and the happiness level of the subjects (P > 0.05). According to the results, the majority of the subjects had a moderate level of happiness. Given the importance of mental health of cancer patients in the whole treatment process, it is suggested that some concepts of positive psychology, including happiness, be evaluated and considered during the treatment process of these patients.