Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the risk of psychological symptoms in spouses of cancer patients and the barriers to and determinants of seeking mental health counselling. METHODS: The study was conducted with a descriptive and correlational design. The data were obtained from spouses (n = 201) of cancer patients. Data collection involved the Participant Information Form (PIF), Psychological Symptom Screening Test (SCL 90-R) and Barriers to Seeking Mental Health Counselling Scale (BMHC). Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Participants exhibited high levels of risk in somatization (1.67 ± 0.86), depression (1.94 ± 0.92), anxiety (1.72 ± 0.68) and additional items (1.55 ± 0.53). In multiple linear regression analysis, the longest place of residence (β = -0.137), gender (β = -0.144), income level (β = 1.152) and depression were associated with BMHC. Additionally, the longest place of residence (β = -1.007), gender (β = -0.368), income level (β = -0.674), somatization (β = 0.056), depression (β = 0.251) and additional items (β = 1.108) were associated with BMHC. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that despite spouses of cancer patients being at risk of psychological symptoms, they do not seek psychological help due to stigma and lack of knowledge. In addition, the study revealed an important clinical implication that the focus of health services should not only be on the diagnosed cancer patient but also on their spouse.