Woman with cancer: cross-sectional analysis of health-related quality of life and social support.

Abstract

Objective: To verify the correlation between perceived social support and health-related quality of life among women diagnosed with cancer.

Method: Analytical cross-sectional study conducted in 2019 with a sample of 119 women diagnosed with cancer treated at a reference hospital for oncological treatment in the southern region of Minas Gerais. Data collection was carried out through interviews and medical record analysis. The Medical Outcomes Study social support scale and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire were used. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman's correlation test.

Results: There was a positive correlation between all types of social support and the emotional and social functions of quality of life. Emotional/information, affective, and positive social interaction supports were positively correlated with global health status and negatively correlated with appetite loss.

Conclusion: Higher social support scores were correlated with a better quality of life among the women with cancer assessed. By identifying the specific types of social support that can improve certain dimensions of quality of life, nursing professionals will be able to plan and implement interventions more effectively.