Social support and depression in sarcoma patients, in different phases of disease

Abstract

Sarcomas are rare malignant tumors with important implications in terms of functionality and self-image. Previous research identified social support as a variable associated with psychological adaptation of cancer patients. The aim was to examine the levels of depression and its association with social support in different phases of disease (during the first consultation (Ph1), four months (Ph2) and nine months after (Ph3). Twenty four patients with sarcoma (41.7% women, 38.3% men), aged 18 to 66 were recruited from two oncological care units. Participants completed a Socio-demographic and Clinical Questionnaire, the Social Support Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Patients reported a high level of social support (total score) in the 3 phases of disease. In the subscale related to practical support significant differences were found between the 3 phases ( = 6.10; p=0.04). Some patients reported mild to moderate levels of depression. Significant negative associations were found between social support and depression in Ph2, more specifically in relation to the subscale informative support (Rs=-0.60; p<0.05) and the subscale emotional support (Rs=0.46; p<0.05). In the different phases of the disease patients with sarcoma may show clinical levels of depression and interventions aimed to promote psychosocial adaptation should enhance social support, especially in its informative and emotional dimensions.