Which domains of social support better predict quality of life of breast cancer patients?

Abstract

Background: Quality of life (QoL) in breast cancer patients is affected by some psychosocial factors. Some studies investigated the relation between social support and QoL; but few studies compared predicting role of different social support types and domains. This study aimed to examining the specific role of Social Support types in predicting QoL of Iranian breast cancer women. Methods: From October 2014 to May 2015, 224 breast cancer patients completed measures of Social Support (MOS-SSS), FACT-B, FACT-G, and three additive questions comprising Social Integration, Social Participation, and Community Participation as "structural support". Data were analyzed via Pearson correlation and multiple regression. Findings: The mean of total social support and total QOL were 77.10±18.88 and 105.02±22.76, respectively. The association of four subscales of social support and QOL subscales were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05) excepting tangible subscale of social support and physical well-being (r=0.114;p=0.122). Social integration (number of close relatives) had significant correlation with QOL subscales. A stepwise regression analysis revealed that positive social interaction domain of social support, social integration (number of close relatives) and social participation associated with better QOL scores (R2=0.267, β=0.51, P=0.000). Discussion: It was found that from four domains of social support, only "perceived positive social interactions" could significantly predict quality of life. In addition, some aspects of structural social support as high number of close relatives and more social participations associated with higher QOL. It seems that different social support types should be considered in different conditions (diseases) and cultures.