Social Support and its Predictors Among Iranian Cancer Survivors

Safieh Faghani,Ali-Reza Mohajjel-Aghdam,Naser Parizad,Asghar Mohammadpoorasl,Hadi Hassankhani,Azad Rahmani

doi:10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.22.9767

Abstract

Social support is an important factor in psycho-social well-being of cancer survivors. There is little information about level of social support and its predictors among cancer survivors in Iran or other Middle Eastern countries. The aims of present study were to determine the social support and its prediction factors among Iranian cancer survivors. In this descriptive-correlational study 187 cancer patients in one educational center and one private oncology office in northwest of Iran participated using a convenient sampling method. The data collection tool consisted of a researcher-prepared checklist and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Assessment (MSPSS). Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software with descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis. The total score of MSPSS was 68 from a possible score between 7 and 84. Participants believed that they received a high level of support from their family members and significant others. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that single and depressed cancer survivors and participants with lower levels of physical activity believed that they received lower levels of social support. Iranian cancer survivors receive high levels of social support and family members are the most important source of this support. In planning any supportive care program for Iranian cancer survivors this strength should be considered. Especially, single and depressed and patients with lower levels of physical activity need more attention.

Highlights

Scientific advancement raised in recent years, led to significant progress in survival of many cancer patients (Khan et al, 2008; Bray et al, 2013)
There is no any studies investigated the level of social support for Iranian cancer survivors, but the results of some studies showed that Iranian cancer patients in all stages perceive high levels of social support (Heydari et al, 2009; Naseri and Taleghani., 2012)
Based on wide review of relevant literature this is a first study investigated the level of social support available for Iranian cancer survivors and its predictive factors among Iranian cancer survivors or cancer survivors in other Middle Eastern countries

Summary

Introduction

Scientific advancement raised in recent years, led to significant progress in survival of many cancer patients (Khan et al, 2008; Bray et al, 2013). Social support is an important factor in psycho-social well-being of cancer survivors. There is little information about level of social support and its predictors among cancer survivors in Iran or other Middle Eastern countries. The aims of present study were to determine the social support and its prediction factors among Iranian cancer survivors. Results: The total score of MSPSS was 68 from a possible score between 7 and 84 Participants believed that they received a high level of support from their family members and significant others. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that single and depressed cancer survivors and participants with lower levels of physical activity believed that they received lower levels of social support. Conclusions: Iranian cancer survivors receive high levels of social support and family members are the most important source of this support. Single and depressed and patients with lower levels of physical activity need more attention

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