Correlation between social support and quality of life among women with breast cancer

Received: 15-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. OAR-23-98047; Accepted: 18-May-2023, Pre QC No. OAR-23-98047 (PQ); Editor assigned: 18-Apr-2023, Pre QC No. OAR-23-98047 (PQ); Reviewed: 25-Apr-2023, QC No. OAR-23-98047 (Q); Revised: 02-May-2023, Manuscript No. OAR-23-98047 (R); Published: 20-May-2023

Introduction

The concept of "social support" has been used to describe the buffering effects of interpersonal interactions in the face of adversity [1]. Although the benefits of social support for both patients and careers may vary depending on the stage and location of cancer, research shows that it is generally beneficial throughout treatment [2].

Women with breast cancer who have social support are less likely to worry about dying and more likely to recover [3]. Women with breast cancer who have strong social networks are better able to cope with the disease and its treatment. Patients' long-term emotional and physical functioning improves significantly while their social support decreases [4].

Quality of Life (QoL) refers to a person's level of health and happiness relative to their current social and material circumstances. People's degree of functionality, health, and psychological factors affect their QoL [5]. Life satisfaction is intrinsically linked to overall happiness. Since there are commonalities between the two in how they approach the idea of happiness [6].

Quality of life (QoL) is a complex, multifaceted notion that reflects patients' impressions of the influence of diagnosis and commencement of treatment on daily life. QoL encompasses patients' judgements of their physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being. Because of its importance in managing patients' symptoms and treatments and assessing treatment outcomes, the quality of life of breast cancer patients has recently been the subject of greater research. The quality of life of breast cancer survivors has been linked to factors such as social support, self-efficacy, and hope. The promotion of healthy coping techniques and access to professional medical or social service care are examples of the more formal forms of social support. The presence of caring friends and family members can make all the difference in the world when dealing with adversity. The quality of life for breast cancer patients can be enhanced by increasing their social support networks [7].

Methodology

Design of the study

Inferential correlational study was started at 1 October, 2022 to 5 April, 2023,

Ethical considerations

The first ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethical Committee at the University of Baghdad / College of Nursing, No. (3) Date. 4/12/2022. Before starting to collect data from the sample participating in the study, a brief explanation was provided about the scientific background of the research and the purpose of conducting it. The women were informed of the objectives of the study and asked to participate, and this participation was voluntary. A signed consent was taken from the participating women, and they were informed that the information would be strictly confidential and for scientific research purposes only.

Setting of the study

The study was conducted in the Medical City Department/ Teaching Oncology Hospital. The hospital opened in 2020, after it was a specialized center in the treatment of oncology, to transform into an integrated hospital in terms of furniture, medical and administrative staff, and provides the best medical and health services to patients and auditors. It annually receives more than 65,692 patients in various consultations, including: breast tumors and gynecological diseases, dental and digestive system, blood diseases and tumors, and oncology consultants for thyroid diseases, in addition to that the medical staff is fully qualified to use different types of treatment provision, as it is very dangerous in If misused, this hospital is considered one of the leading hospitals in the treatment of cancerous tumors of all kinds, and is not limited to one specific type

Sample of the study

A non-probability (purposive) sample consist of (150) women diagnosed with breast cancer who attending oncology teaching hospital was chosen based on a set of criteria, which include the following:

Inclusions criteria:

1. Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer.

2.Women who are different age groups (Reproductive and menopause).

3.Women without mastectomy.

Exclusion criteria:

1.Women with mastectomy

The study instrument

The questionnaire was constructed based on prior studies and a review of relevant literature. It was assessed by a direct supervisor and a panel of specialists, who recommended that some items be changed, and thereafter all of the suggested adjustments were implemented.

Data collection methods

The data was collected through the use of a questionnaire. The interview techniques which used on individual bases, and each interview (20 minutes-25 minutes) after taking the important steps that must be included in the study design.

Data analysis

The data were analyzed and interpreted through use of the application of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 26.0.

Results

The descriptive analysis shows that average age for women with breast cancer refers to 31.8 years ± 9 years in which the highest percentage seen with age group of “50-less than 60 years” among 38.7% of them (Table 1).

Tab. 1. Distribution of women according to their socio-demographic characteristics

f: Frequency, %: Percentage, M: Mean, SD: Standard Deviation

Regarding monthly income, 74% of women perceive barely sufficient monthly income. The marital status reveals that 86% of women are married and only 1.3% of them are still unmarried

Concerning the level of education, the highest percentage refers to “primary school graduation” among 22% of women. The occupational status indicates that 83.3% of women are housewives while only 6.7% of them are working as governmental employee.

Regarding residency, about two third of women are resident in urbans (68.7%) and 31.3% are resident in rural.

Table 2 exhibits that there is high significant relationship (strong positive) between social support and quality of life among women with breast cancer as seen with high significant positive correlation at p-value= 0.001.

Tab. 2. Correlation between perceived social support and quality of life among women with breast cancer (N=150)

**Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).

Figure 1 describes the positive relationship between social support and quality of life; the quality of life is increase by increasing social support

Figure 1: Scatter of quality of life by social support

Table 3 reveals that there is significant difference in overall score of quality of life with regard to women’s age at p-value= .007. The significant differences are indicated among physical health, social health, and spiritual health with regard to women’s age at p-values= .001, .001, and .001.

Tab. 3. Significant difference in quality of life among women with breast cancer with regard to their age

df: Degree of Freedom, F: F-Statistic, Sig: Significance

Discussion

Discussion of the distribution of women according to their sociodemographic characteristics.

Findings show that average age for women with breast cancer refers to 42 years in which the highest percentage seen with age group of “50 years-less than 60 years” among more than one third of them.

According to the researcher as women aging, their risk of developing breast cancer increases, which could explain why the majority of breast cancer cases are seen in women over the age of 50. This is due to the accumulation of genetic mutations, hormonal changes, and lifestyle factors that increase the risk of breast cancer with age.

The result of the present study agrees with a study conducted in Malaysia were the mean age of the subjects is 55.1 years old [8]. Another study demonstrates that the highest percentage of the women (29%) were in age group (40 years-49 years) [9,10]. While in contrast with our study regarding age group a study conducted in Baghdad showed that the patients were mainly in the age group 20 years-29 years, 46 patients (39%) [11].

The median age of the participants in a study that took place in Addis Ababa in 2019 was 40 years old, this result disagrees with that of the present study [12,13]. Also, a study conducted in China in 2016, found that the average age at diagnosis was 57.7 years [14,15], this agrees with that of the present study

Regarding monthly income, two thirds of women perceive barely sufficient monthly income. According to the researcher this finding expected in the Iraqi society as most of the peoples live with middle monthly income and the burden of chronic disease and cancer effect their income sufficiency.

The results of the current study agree with that of a Brazilian study conducted in 2017, were the predominant monthly income was individuals with annual household income between US $447.00 and US $672.00 [16]. In the same line, about one third (29.4%) of the women mentioned in a study conducted in Addis Ababa were having financial crisis in their family in the last 1 year [17].

The marital status reveals that the vast majority of women are married and only 1.3% of them are still unmarried.

According to the researcher cultural norms and values play a significant role in shaping the marital status of women. In iraq, marriage is considered an essential social and cultural institution, and women are expected to get married and have children.

This result compatible to a study conducted in Baghdad, Iraq in 2019 were it showed that (84%) of the women were married. In the same context a study conducted in Brazil in 2017 revealed that women who lived with their partners compose (69.4%) of the participants [16].

While, out of the total 428 women included in a study took place in Addis Ababa, 242 (56%) of them were married, 69 (16.1%) were widowed and 50 (11.7%) were divorced. This result disagrees with that of the present study, as it found that the vast majority of the participants are married. A chines study stated that the majority of breast cancer patients were married (90.5%).

Concerning the level of education, the highest percentage refers to “primary school graduation” among one quarter of the women.

From the researcher’s perspective women from disadvantaged backgrounds or rural areas may have limited access to educational opportunities due to financial constraints, cultural norms, and geographic barriers. In some cases, girls may be taken out of school early to help with household chores or to get married. These factors could contribute to the higher percentage of women who completed only primary school.

In agreement with our study, a study conducted in Baghdad, Iraq discovered that about half of the women (51%) their education was primary school. Also, a study conducted in Brazil found that two thirds of the women had primary education (67.8%) [18].

In contrast with the present study, a study took place in Ethiopia depicts that more than one fourth, (30.1%), completed secondary school education. In the same ward a study in China stated that most of the women attained an education level higher than the middle school (79.0%).

The occupational status indicates that most of women are housewives while only seven percent of them are working as governmental employee.

According to the researcher cultural norms and gender stereotypes can limit women's participation in the labour force. In many societies, women are expected to prioritize domestic and family responsibilities over paid work. This could be particularly true in more conservative or traditional societies, where gender roles are more rigidly defined.

A study conducted in Baghdad agree with our results, as regarding occupation (85%) of the study sample were housewives. While a study conducted in Ethiopia disagree with our results as (19.4%) are illiterate and nearly half (47%) are housewives.

With regard to governmental employing the same study which conducted in Ethiopia found that one fifth (19.4%), were governmental employees. In contrast with our study, a study in China found that most of the women are employed (78.4%) [19].

Regarding residency, about two thirds of women are resident in urbans and one third are resident in rural.

This can be explained as economic opportunities are often concentrated in urban areas, which can attract people from rural areas seeking better job prospects and living conditions. This trend of urbanization is particularly evident in developing countries, where rapid urbanization is taking place due to the growth of industrialization and modernization.

This result is supported by the result of a study conducted in Baghdad, which found that most of the study sample (85%) are living in urban areas [20].

In contrast, a study was done in Ethiopia found that more than half (52.6%) of the women were living outside of Addis Ababa in rural areas. Discussion of the correlation between perceived social support and quality of life among women with breast cancer. There is high significant relationship (strong positive) between social support and quality of life among women with breast cancer as seen with high significant positive correlation, table.

According to the researcher the strong positive correlation between social support and quality of life among women with breast cancer can be explained by the potential benefits of social support on physical, psychological, and social well-being. As social support can enhance physical well-being by providing practical assistance, such as help with transportation to medical appointments or assistance with daily tasks, which can improve a woman's ability to manage the physical symptoms of breast cancer and its treatments.

Previous studies, such as that of Norwegian patients [21], have shown that social support affects patients' quality of life. This study's findings are at odds with those of an Ethiopian study that found a positive correlation between social support and cancer related stress but not between social support and physical quality of life.

In the same line with the current results a study on Malaysian breast cancer patients demonstrated the positive correlation between quality of life and perceived social support. The higher level of perceived social support among breast cancer subjects was associated with better quality of life. Also, a recent study found that social support had a strong and positive direct effect on quality of life (ie, social, physical, social, and emotional).

Contrarily, according to a study took place in Malaysia the correlations remained significant in partial correlation analysis after controlling for perceived social support scores. The correlation is also significant after controlling for the perceived social support scores.

Women with breast cancer in Malaysia who report a high level of perceived social support also have a good quality of life. Breast cancer patients may experience an improvement in their quality of life as a byproduct of carer support groups, educational programmes, and other activities aimed at strengthening their social support network.

Conclusion

There is high significant correlation (strong positive) between social support and quality of life among women with breast cancer as seen with high significant positive correlation.

Recommendations

The quality of life of patients with breast cancer needs more attention by the health care facilities, especially that of community health.

References

1. Cohen, S, & McKay G. "Social support, stress and the buffering hypothesis: A theoretical analysis." Handb. psychol. health (Vol. IV). Routledge, 2020. 253-267.

   [Google Scholar] [Cross Ref]

2. Kelley, D E. "Dyadic associations between perceived social support and cancer patient and caregiver health: An actorâ?partner interdependence modeling approach." Psychoâ?Oncology 28; 2019: 1453-1460.

   [Google Scholar] [Cross Ref]

3. Bibi, A, & Khalid MA. "Death anxiety, perceived social support, and demographic correlates of patients with breast cancer in Pakistan." Death stud. 44; 2020: 787-792.

   [Google Scholar] [Cross Ref]

4. Goula, I. "Social support and quality of life in Greek women with breast cancer during chemotherapy and two years later." Health Psychol Rep. 8; 2020: 97-106.

   [Google Scholar] [Cross Ref] ‏

5. Khalaf, MA, & DeÄ?er TB. "Evaluation of quality of life in the elderly who have fallen." J Surg Med. (JOSAM) 7; 2023.

   [Google Scholar] [Cross Ref]

6. Nur, N. "Health-related quality of life and associated factors among undergraduate university students." Oman Med J. 32; 2017: 329.

   [Google Scholar] [Cross Ref]

7. Shen, A, "Quality of life among breast cancer survivors with triple negative breast cancer--role of hope, self-efficacy and social support." Eur J Oncol Nurs. 46; 2020: 101771. ‏

   [Google Scholar] [Cross Ref]

8. Ng, CG, "Anxiety, depression, perceived social support and quality of life in Malaysian breast cancer patients: a 1-year prospective study." Health Qual Life Outcomes 13 2015: 1-9.

   [Google Scholar] [Cross Ref]

9. Ghafel, Hawraa Hussein, and Wafaa Tuffah. "Assessment of Breast Tumors among Iraqi women at Women Health Center in Baghdad City: Comparative Study." Indian J Forensic Med Toxicol. 13: 2019.

   [Google Scholar] [Cross Ref]

10. Ibrahim, N A., & Rabe'a MA. "Impact of instructional intervention program upon women's psychological health status who undergo chemotherapy after mastectomy." Iraqi Natl J Nurs Spec. 25 2012.

    [Google Scholar] [Cross Ref]

11. kassim M, Z. "Comparison between the Patterns of Common Breast Diseases Presenting as Breast Lumps in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Married Women." AL-Kindy Coll Med J. 15; 2019: 13-17.

    [Google Scholar] [Cross Ref]

12. Wondimagegnehu A, Abebe W, Abraha A, Teferra S. Depression and social support among breast cancer patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. BMC cancer. 2019; 19:1-8.

    [Google Scholar] [Cross Ref]

13. Al Alwan NA, Al Attar WM, Al Mallah N. Barriers to baseline needs for early detection of breast cancer among Iraqi female patients. Iraqi Natl J Nurs Spec. 2016; 29

    [Google Scholar] [Cross Ref]

14. Yan B, Yang LM, Hao LP, Determinants of quality of life for breast cancer patients in Shanghai, China. PloS one. 2016; 11:e0153714.

    [Google Scholar] [Cross Ref]

15. Aziz KF, Sheren PN. Assessment of students' knowledge regarding breast self-examination in Erbil City-Iraq. Iraqi Natl J Nurs Spec. 2011; 24.

    [Google Scholar] [Cross Ref]

16. Costa AL, Heitkemper MM, Alencar GP. Social support is a predictor of lower stress and higher quality of life and resilience in Brazilian patients with colorectal cancer. Cancer nursing. 2017; 40: 352-60.

    [Google Scholar] [Cross Ref]

17. Yousif FS, Ghali HH, Faraj SA, Farhan MF, Al-Hadad SA. Psychosocial Impact of Childhood Cancer on Patients and their Families. Al-Kindy Coll Med J. 2021; 17:79-83.

    [Google Scholar] [Cross Ref]

18. Abedalrahman SK. Accuracy of Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) in Diagnosis of Breast Lump. Al-Kindy Coll Med J. 2019; 15:9-12.

    [Google Scholar] [Cross Ref]

19. Almaas JK, Diab BS. The impact of caries experience on quality of life among dental students in Iraq. J Baghdad Coll Dent. 2020; 32:8-13.

    [Google Scholar] [Cross Ref]

20. Hameed Z, Sachit K. Spiritual Coping Strategies for Patients with Chronic Renal Failure. Iraqi Natl J Nurs Spec. 2018; 31(2):103-16.

    [Google Scholar] [Cross Ref]

21. Haugland T, Wahl AK, Hofoss D, DeVon HA. Association between general self-efficacy, social support, cancer-related stress and physical health-related quality of life: a path model study in patients with neuroendocrine tumors. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2016; 14:1-7.

    [Google Scholar] [Cross Ref]