A longitudinal study to explore unmet care needs, social support, and hope of women with gynecological cancer

Abstract

The experience of a life-threatening illness, such as cancer, can have an array of health impacts and social and psychological well-being can be compromised. This study compared differences in unmet care needs, social support, and hope of Taiwanese women with either newly diagnosed (n=72) or recurring (n=39) gynecological cancer at baseline (T0) and three follow-up surveys every 2 months (T1; T2; T3). Sociodemographic questions and three standardized self-administered questionnaires were used. The generalized estimating equations (GEE) method was used to analyze data. Women with recurrent cancer reported higher levels of care needs and lower levels of hope than those with a primary diagnosis. Significant positive correlations between social support and hope scores were observed for women with recurring cancer at T1 and T2. However, these women reported less hope at T3 compared to those with a primary diagnosis. Routine assessment of women's care needs related to their medical condition and provision of different kinds of support can aim to improve well-being and their hope for the future.