THE Relationship between Self-Acceptance and Gratitude of Cervical Cancer Patients in Tulip IIB Obstetrics Room Ulin Hospital

Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases in the Obstetrics Ward, second only to solid ovarian tumors, accounting for 188 out of 431 cases of gynecologic oncology. Between January and June 2023, approximately 79 patients diagnosed with stage I–III cervical cancer underwent treatment. However, 23 patients (27.6%) discontinued chemotherapy for various reasons. This phenomenon is often associated with psychological distress, particularly emotional and cognitive difficulties, which hinder individuals from accepting their medical condition. Individuals with lower levels of self-acceptance tend to experience a heightened fear of failure, leading to avoidance behaviors and an attempt to disengage from reality. This study aims to examine the relationship between self-acceptance and gratitude among cervical cancer patients in the Tulip IIb Obstetrics Ward at Ulin Regional Hospital, Banjarmasin. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a descriptive correlational approach with a cross-sectional methodology. The study population consisted of 49 patients diagnosed with stage I–III cervical cancer in the Tulip IIB Obstetrics Ward, from which a sample of 33 participants was selected using probability sampling techniques. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using the Spearman Rank correlation test. The findings indicate that 7 respondents (48.5%) exhibited low self-acceptance but demonstrated a high level of gratitude, whereas 19 respondents (57.6%) reported both high self-acceptance and gratitude. Additionally, 5 respondents (15.1%) presented with both low self-acceptance and gratitude, while 2 respondents (6.1%) displayed high self-acceptance but low gratitude. Statistical analysis yielded a p-value of 0.03 (<0.05), signifying a significant relationship between self-acceptance and gratitude. Furthermore, the correlation coefficient of 0.379* suggests that the strength of the association between these two variables falls within the weak category. Healthcare professionals are recommended to provide care interventions for patients with cervical cancer by enhancing psychosocial and spiritual processes to foster self-acceptance and gratitude, which are essential aspects that support the healing.