Relationship Between Adversity Quotient And Recovery Outcomes Among Cancer Patients Attending Palliative Care In Nyeri And Nairobi Counties, Kenya

ABSTRACT Diagnosis of cancer profoundly affects every aspect of an individual’s life.These include the psychological,physical, spiritual, interpersonal,and economic aspects of the patients’ functioning. This may negatively interfere with the cancer recovery outcomes. AdversityQuotient (AQ) isa person’s resilience when faced with obstacles,the ability to bounce back to his/her normal functioning. It has been suggested that AQ could be an important aspect of recoveryand promoting it may be a critical element in management of cancer. However, there is a dearth of literature on the relationship between AQ and recovery outcomes among cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between Adversity Quotient and recovery outcomes among cancer patients attending palliative care in Nyeri and Nairobi Counties, Kenya. The study was guided by the Restorative Well-Being Model and Adversity Quotient Theory. The study adopted a correlation research design. The target population were the cancer patients, attending treatment at the three palliative care units in Nairobi and Nyeri Counties. Systematic random sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 96 participants. Semi structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, specificallyPearson Moment Correlation Coefficient(r). The findings revealed a weak positive between adversity quotient and recovery outcomessuggesting that investing in promoting AQ could be associated with improved recovery outcomes (rs(82) = 0.078, p> 0.05). The study recommended the need to engage families for support of patients, provision of financial support and increasing the number of counseling sessions as possible strategies for enhancing adversity quotient and recovery outcomes.