Poltekita: Jurnal Ilmu Kesehatan
Vol. 20 No. 2 (2026)

Self-Efficacy, Family Support, and Anxiety among Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Isran Isran (Department of Nursing, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Karya Kesehatan, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia)
A. A. Ayu Emi Primayanthi (Department of Nursing, Universitas Udayana, Bali, Indonesia)
Rahmat Kurniawan (Department of Nursing, Poltekkes Kemenkes Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Sep 2026

Abstract

Background: In this study, we aimed to analyze the relationship between self-efficacy and family support and anxiety levels among patients undergoing chemotherapy in the context of the increasing psychological burden associated with cancer treatment. With the global rise in cancer incidence and the widespread use of chemotherapy as a primary treatment, this study seeks to identify the role of psychosocial factors in reducing patient anxiety and to address gaps in the existing literature. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design conducted at Bahteramas General Hospital, Southeast Sulawesi. The study was carried out among patients undergoing chemotherapy from 7 July to 9 September 2025. A total of 145 chemotherapy patients were enrolled in this study, and data were collected using structured questionnaires to assess self-efficacy, family support, and anxiety levels. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Bahteramas General Hospital, and all participants provided informed consent prior to participation. Results: The primary outcome of the study was the level of anxiety among patients undergoing chemotherapy, and the findings demonstrated a positive relationship between self-efficacy and family support. Patients with higher self-efficacy and stronger family support reported lower levels of anxiety. Additionally, the results indicated that family support played a protective role in mitigating psychological distress during chemotherapy. Chi square test revealed a significant association between self-efficacy and anxiety p value=0.012 (p < 0.05) as well as between family support and anxiety p value=0.022 (p < 0.05). No unexpected adverse associations were observed; however, the strength of family support emerged as a particularly influential factor in reducing anxiety. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study contributes to the understanding of anxiety among patients undergoing chemotherapy by highlighting the important roles of self-efficacy and family support as key psychosocial factors. This research provides insights into the broader implications of integrating psychosocial interventions and family-centered care into oncology nursing practice to improve patients’ psychological well-being. Future studies should address longitudinal designs and intervention-based approaches to strengthen self-efficacy and family involvement, ultimately advancing knowledge and practice in the field of international health.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

JIK

Publisher

Subject

Dentistry Environmental Science Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Poltekita : Jurnal Ilmu Kesehatan (e-ISSN: 2527-7170, p-ISSN: 1907-459X) is a peer-reviewed open access scientific journal published by Poltekkes Kemenkes Palu. The scope for Poltekita: Jurnal Ilmu Kesehatan includes nutrition, midwifery, nursing, public health, environmental health, food, and ...