Family functioning and coping strategies in men with newly diagnosed cancer in Mexico: a cross-sectional study

Background: Coping with cancer is influenced by both individual and contextual factors, including family functioning, yet evidence focusing on male patients in Latin American settings remains limited. This study examined the association between family functioning and coping strategies in men recently diagnosed with cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 98 adult male patients with a recent cancer diagnosis. Family functioning was assessed using the Perception of Family Functioning (FF-SIL) instrument, and coping strategies were evaluated with the Coping Strategies Inventory (CSI). Coping was categorized into active and passive strategies based on CSI subscales. Associations were explored using descriptive statistics and chi square tests or Fisher’s exact tests. Results: The mean age was 53.89 ± 16.57 years. Active copping strategies were observed in 71.4% participants, and 67.3% belonged to functional families. Problem-solving (36.7%) and cognitive restructuring (19.4%) were the most frequent active strategy, while social withdrawal (17.3%) was the most common passive strategy. Significant associations were identified between coping strategies and marital status, treatment status, primary caregiver, and family functioning. Functional family status was associated with lower odds of passive coping (Odds Ratio ≈ 0.007), although this estimate should be interpreted with caution due to small cell counts. Conclusions: Family functioning is associated with coping strategies among male cancer patients in this sample. These findings should be interpreted cautiously given the cross-sectional design and absence of adjustment for potential confounders.

Cancer; Family characteristics; Coping strategies; Mental health

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