Background:Fatigue is one of the most common issues related to cancer. Social support has direct effects on health status and coping with illness. This study investigated the relationship between the perception of social support and fatigue in patients with cancer.Materials and Methods:This descriptive/correlational study was conducted in Omid Hospital in Isfahan, Iran in 2014. One hundred and twenty-five cancer patients receiving chemotherapy were included in the study. Study participants were selected using consecutive sampling. Data were collected using the Cancer Fatigue Scale (CFS), Perceived Social Support Scale, and a demographic characteristics questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical tests in SPSS software.Results:Mean (SD) of patients’ fatigue and perceived social support scores were 40.63 (11.59) out of 100 and 49.33 (7.85) out of 100, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient showed an inverse relationship between fatigue and social support, however, this relationship was not significant. Multiple regression test was used to detect which dimension of perceived social support was a better predictor of the reduction in fatigue score. This test showed that the best predictor was informational support (B = −0.35, p = 0.004).Conclusions:Results showed a negative relationship between fatigue and perceived social support in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Therefore, social support interventions can help reduce fatigue.
BACKGROUND፡ People with concurrent chronic conditions face different situations that lead to frequent transferring between the hospital and home. Despite the use of different strategies for improving transitional care, these transferring is associated with different challenges. This article aims to explore family caregivers’ experiences of transitional care in diabetes with concurrent chronic conditions.METHODS: This descriptive explorative study was done at university hospitals in two big cities (Isfahan and Tehran) of Iran. The data collection was conducted from November 2018 to February 2020 using deep, semi-structured, and face-to-face interviews which are focused on family caregivers’ experiences of transitional care. The researchers continued the sampling until the data saturation. Finally, 15 family caregivers were selected through purposive sampling. Data collection and data analysis were performed concurrently. Data were analyzed through the conventional content analysis method.RESULTS: Two main themes were identified: unsafe transition (unplanned discharge, inappropriate communication, lack of patient center care, and unavailable healthcare team) and erosive effort (financial burden, psychological stress, physical exhaustion, and lack of supportive sources).CONCLUSION: The findings point to the importance of designing a discharge plan and preparing family caregivers before being discharged by healthcare providers. It appears to be essential for health managers and policymakers to pay attention to safe transitional care planning. The establishment oftransitional care centers will help to ensure continuity of care. Future research focusing on the design and implementation of an appropriate transitional care model is recommended.
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