The Association of Sources of Support, Types of Support and Satisfaction with Support Received on Perceived Stress and Quality of Life of Cancer Patients

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the present study is to carry out a multidimensional analysis of the relationship of social support with quality of life and the stress perceived by cancer patients. Methods: The participants were 200 patients with cancer. Data was gathered on sociodemographic characteristics, health, quality of life, social support and perceived stress. Results: Frequency of and satisfaction with different sources and types of support are related positively with improvement of quality of life and negatively with perceived stress. The emotional support from the partner and the emotional and informational support from the family are significant predictors of quality of life. Emotional support from the family reduces patients’ perceived stress. Satisfaction with emotional support from the partner and with the informational support from friends and family increases quality of life. Satisfaction with emotional support from the family and with informational support from friends decreases patients’ perceived stress. Instrumental support and support provided by health professionals are not good predictors of quality of life and perceived stress. Satisfaction with the support received is more significantly related with quality of life and stress than the frequency with which the sources provide support. Conclusions: These results have important practical implications to improve cancer patients’ quality of life and reduce their perceived stress through social support. Designing intervention strategies to improve satisfaction with the support provided to patients by their closest networks results in a global benefit for the patient’s quality of life.

The Importance of Social Support, Optimism and Resilience on the Quality of Life of Cancer Patients

“…Social support is key for patients to adapt to their new situation ( Osann et al, 2014 ), and it relates with higher quality of life in cancer patients ( Villanova Quiroga et al, 2018 ; Ruiz-Rodríguez et al, 2021a , b )—even in advanced cancer patients ( Applebaum et al, 2014 ) and their relatives ( Melguizo-Garín et al, 2019 , 2020 ). In fact, the lack of social support relates to higher numbers of anxiety and depression cases ( Fong et al, 2017 ), which leads to lower quality of life ( Wells et al, 2014 ).…”

“…Social support is often provided by the community, its social networks and its intimate relations both in everyday life situations and in times of crisis throughout individuals’ life ( Lin et al, 1986 ). Most authors divide social support into three types ( Breuer et al, 2017 ; Melguizo-Garín et al, 2019 ; Ruiz-Rodríguez et al, 2021a , b ): emotional (feeling loved and having the certainty of having someone to trust), instrumental (availability of immediate help) and informational (receiving advice or information). There are instances where patients’ social support needs are not fulfilled due to the network not being prepared appropriately ( Arora et al, 2007 ).…”

Optimizing Social Support in Oncology with Digital Platforms

“…In this context, social support is multifaceted and consists of providing patients with emotional, information, or practical support. Social support may come from various sources, such as family, friends, partners, and health care professionals [ 9 ]. Social support that comes from casual interactions with family, friends, or peers is often called informal social support, while support that comes from professional services, such as a nurses, physicians, or social workers, is considered formal social support [ 10 ].…”

Cancer patients admitted in the emergency department: A single‐centre observational study

“…The incidence rate of cancer‐related ED visits has increased year by year, with high hospitalisation and mortality rates, and ED visits are expected to increase along with the cancer prevalence increases (Lee et al, 2021). Therefore, new strategies have been approached to improve these patients' quality of life, such as providing professionals with good quality care in hospitals and outpatient settings (Cheng et al, 2018; Ruiz‐Rodríguez et al, 2021), as cancer patients assisted at an ED often receive treatment from staff less experienced with cancer‐related problems (Gallaway et al, 2021).…”