A survey of functional living and social support in patients with cancer; [Kanserli bireylerin fonksiyonel durumlari ve algiladiklari sosyal desteǧin incelenmesi]

Dedeli Ö.; Fadiloǧlu Ç.; Uslu R.

A survey of functional living and social support in patients with cancer; [Kanserli bireylerin fonksiyonel durumlari ve algiladiklari sosyal desteǧin incelenmesi]

Date

2008

Authors

Dedeli Ö.

Fadiloǧlu Ç.

Uslu R.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate functional living and social support in patients with cancer. Methods: The research was carried out on 105 patients diagnosed with cancer in the Daily Chemotherapy Units and Cancer Polyclinic of Tülay Aktaş Oncology Hospital during July and August 2007. The forms containing patients' demographic information were prepared by the researcher and Functional Living Index-Cancer and Cancer Patient Social Support Scale were used as the data tools. Data were collected during personal interviews with patients, and were evaluated on computer using SPSS 13.0 packet program. Mean, percentage, Pearson correlation, chi-square, independent sample t test, and Kruskal-Wallis test were used in the statistical analysis. Results: The mean age of patients was 46.3±12.8, 59.0% of which were women. The average Functional Living Index-Cancer score was poor (92.3±7.2), but the average Cancer Patient Social Support Scale score was good (142.4±14.2). Only the general well-being subscale of the Functional Living Index-Cancer was associated with each subscale of the Cancer Patient Social Support Scale, and the statistical correlation was significant. Conclusion: Although cancer patients had impaired functional status, their social support was good. We suggest social support is as beneficial as care for cancer patients' general well-being.