Postoperative social adaptation in correlation with the number of supporters for patients with oral cancer

Abstract

The development and treatment of oral cancer are highly invasive, either functionally or psychologically, having a significant effect on patients' daily lives. As such, social support is important, but few studies have been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate social support for patients with oral cancer and patients' level of social adaptation. Patients with oral cancer who had undergone resection and reconstruction surgery in our department from February 2017 to June 2021 were included. The Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ) was used to evaluate the number of supporters (SSQN) and the satisfaction of patients (SSQS) with social support. The Social Adaptation Self-evaluation Scale (SASS) was used to evaluate the social adaptation of the patients, and their relationships were examined. In total, 30 patients completed the questionnaire. We found a positive correlation between the SSQN and the SASS (rs ​= ​0.485–0.617 and p ​< ​0.01, respectively) but a limited correlation between the SSQS and the SASS. Continued support for patients with oral cancer from family, friends, and trusted medical staff is important for patients to maintain psychosocially healthy lives long-term postoperatively.