Clinical and Psychosocial Predictors of Treatment Success in Cervical Cancer Patients: The Role of Disease Stage, Duration of Illness, and Personality

Abstract

Background:  Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women. Clinical factors such as disease stage and psychosocial factors like personality may influence treatment success. This study examines the combined effects of disease stage, duration of illness, and personality traits on treatment outcomes in cervical cancer patients.

Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 at General Hospital, Semarang, involving 135 cervical cancer patients. Data were collected using a validated and authorized questionnaire. Independent variables included stage of cervical cancer, length of illness, personality while the dependent variable was treatment success. Data were analyzed through univariate, bivariate (Somers’d test), and multivariate analyses using ordinal logistic regression.

Results: Disease stage was significantly associated with treatment success (p < 0.001) but showed a weak correlation (r = 0.183). Duration of illness had a strong positive correlation (r = 0.755, p < 0.001), indicating shorter illness duration improved outcomes. Personality traits were strongly correlated with treatment success (r = 0.763, p < 0.001), with extroverted patients responding better. The three variables together explained 83% of the variance in treatment outcomes.

Conclusions: Disease stage, duration of illness, and personality traits significantly predict treatment success in cervical cancer patients. Integrating clinical and psychosocial assessments supports individualized care strategies and enhances therapeutic outcomes.