Abstract
BackgroundThis study compared the perceived social support of young and older adult cancer patients, examining possible influencing factors as well as associations with health-related quality of life.MethodsA total of 179 young patients (18–39 years) and 200 older adult patients (> 70 years) with haematological malignancies completed questionnaires on their perceived social support (ISSS-8, scales: Positive Support and Detrimental Interactions, range 0–16) and health-related quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30). Tests for mean differences, correlations and regression analyses to determine associated variables of social support were performed.ResultsNo difference was reported between young (M = 13.40, SD = 2.81) and older adult patients (M = 13.04, SD = 3.82; p = .313) for Positive Support. However, young patients (M = 4.16, SD = 3.10) reported having had more Detrimental Interactions than older patients did (M = 1.63, SD = 2.42; p < .001, Cohen’s d = .910). Comparison of the EORTC QLQ-C30 Function scales showed poorer outcomes for young patients on Emotional, Cognitive and Social Functions and a higher outcome on Physical Function compared with older adult patients. Regression analyses indicated that age (young vs. older adult patients) significantly explained proportions of variance in all models, with young age having a negative impact on Emotional, Cognitive and Social Functions and a positive impact on Physical and Role Functions compared with old age. Significant associations between Detrimental Interactions and all the scales examined except Cognitive Function were found.ConclusionsThe difference in negative perceptions of social support in young vs. older adult patients and its impact on health-related quality of life emphasises the necessity of differentiating between positive and negative social support. Negative interactions should be addressed through psychosocial care, particularly with young cancer patients.
Highlights
This study compared the perceived social support of young and older adult cancer patients, examining possible influencing factors as well as associations with health-related quality of life
We addressed the following research questions: (1) What are the levels of self-perceived social support in young vs. older haematological cancer patients? What differences exist between those two groups? (2) What influence do sociodemographic variables have on self-perceived social support in haematological cancer patients? (3) Which dimensions of health-related quality of life are different in young vs. older haematological cancer patients? What association exists between self-perceived social support and health-related quality of life?
Sample A total of 179 AYA patients and 200 older adult patients participated in the study (Table 1)
Summary
This study compared the perceived social support of young and older adult cancer patients, examining possible influencing factors as well as associations with health-related quality of life. About 230,000 people in Europe are diagnosed with haematological malignancies, Geue et al Health and Quality of Life Outcomes (2019) 17:145. Each developmental stage across the life span has its own developmental tasks and related challenges. Younger people face challenges that are specific to their stage of life and which differ from those dealt with by older people. Young adulthood is a phase of life marked by change and upheaval [6]. Creating and firmly establishing their own social network is another important development young people undergo. Late adulthood is characterised by learning how to cope with increased frailty, physical comorbidities, functional restrictions, cognitive deficits and the inability to perform everyday activities [9,10,11]
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