Coping Strategies-Oriented Interventions in Breast Cancer Women: A Systematic Scoping Review of the Quantitative Evidence

Coping strategies can predict breast cancer patients’ emotional well-being.

The aim of this systematic scoping review was to investigate the effect of coping strategies-oriented interventions on coping skills in breast cancer women.

A systematic scoping review was conducted using a broad search across PubMed, Scopus, Springer, Elsevier, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Web of Science, Magiran, Scientific Information Database, and Google scholar from 2009 - 2018.

Clinical or quasi-experimental trials using interventions and control groups on the coping strategies-oriented interventions in breast cancer women in English or Persian were included.

Two independent researchers selected the final papers. In the case of a disagreement, the third researcher made the final decision. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Jadad scale.

The coping strategies-oriented interventions were classified into four main categories: psychological interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, coping therapy, self-management, and psychoeducation; spiritual-religious interventions; social interventions, such as family therapy; and complementary interventions, such as acupuncture. Most interventions improved the coping skills of the studied women. Based on the Jadad scale, only two studies had good quality.

Considering that most interventions improved the coping skills of breast cancer women, it is suggested that healthcare providers be proficient in examination techniques that maximize the patient’s coping skills. However, there remains a need for further culture-based research to adopt the best interventions and make changes in policy.