Longitudinal study on quality of life and social support in cancer patients

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to acquire insight into the changes of quality of life, social networks, and social support of cancer patients during the first year after diagnosis, as well as into the relation between social support and the changes in quality of life. Newly diagnosed cancer patients (n = 51) were followed for 1 year. Semistructured personal interviews and questionnaires were used to gather data. On the average, patients' functioning improved and the amount of physical complaints decreased over the year. Psychological complaints and the global evaluation of life, however, did not change significantly over time. The patients were supported by small, dense networks, consisting mostly of family members. Size of the networks as well as the amount of emotional support showed some decrease over time. It appeared that emotional support was positively related to quality of life. Moreover, a tendency was found to indicate that patients with a deterioration in quality of life perceived a larger decrease in emotional support than patients with a positive course. The amount of perceived instrumental support did not change significantly. There is a tendency that patients who were functioning worse had a greater need for instrumental support. Although these findings indicate relations between types of support and quality of life, we cannot make statements on the causality of these relations.

Role of the family, friends and significant others in providing social support and enhancing quality of life in cancer patients

“…Patients' family and their loved ones can be very supportive during early illness trajectories. On the other hand, one longitudinal study on QOL and social support in cancer patients reported that network size and the amount of received emotional support decreased somewhat over time [14]. This decrease may be related to a reduction in the availability of needed support as well as a reduction in the perceived quality of support, when available [15].…”

Social, psychological and existential well-being in patients with glioma and their caregivers: a qualitative study

“…In previous research, patients and caregivers have reported anxiety and distress resulting from social isolation, stigmatization, feeling misunderstood and an inability to talk about their feelings or situation. 3,14,15 Both professional and informal social support are central to adapting to illness. 3,16 Patients with glioma have reported lower social support as their disease progressed and their functional abilities deteriorated.…”

“…3,16 Patients with glioma have reported lower social support as their disease progressed and their functional abilities deteriorated. 14 Recognizing that a person's desired level of social support may increase with greater need is vital to maximizing such support.…”

Validation of a Swedish Version of the Cancer Dyspnea Scale

“…Patients undergoing radiotherapy received most support from family and friends and the support the patients expected and received from professionals was informational support (Hinds & Moyer 1997). Courtens et al (1996) conducted a longitudinal study of newly diagnosed cancer patients' social network and social support. They found no relation between structural aspects of network, measured by size, density and composition of the network, and QoL, but emotional support was positively related to QoL (Courtens et al 1996).…”

“…Courtens et al (1996) conducted a longitudinal study of newly diagnosed cancer patients' social network and social support. They found no relation between structural aspects of network, measured by size, density and composition of the network, and QoL, but emotional support was positively related to QoL (Courtens et al 1996).…”