Determining the Relationship between Perceived Social Support Levels and Chemotherapy Symptoms in Women with Gynaecological Cancer

Abstract

Objective:Patients experience uncertainty and fear about what chemotherapy will bring as a cancer treatment. This uncertainty and fear often increase their need for social support. Social support, regardless of whether it is provided by family, peers or health staff, plays a crucial role in coping with chemotherapy. Social support functions as a buffer against conditions such chemotherapy symptoms. It also helps patients cope with stress caused by chemotherapy symptoms and increase their quality of life. This research aimed to determine the relationship between perceived social support levels and chemotherapy symptoms in women with gynaecological cancer.Methods:The study was planned descriptively. The sample comprised 148 patients who were admitted to two public hospitals. Data were collected using the Chemotherapy Symptom Assessment Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MDSPSP) and a descriptive feature form. Data were analysed using the SPSS software programs.Results:There was a significant relationship detected between MDSPSP and skin, nail, throat, mouth and weight complaints, sleeplessness, anxiety and pessimistic feeling.Conclusion:In this study, although social support was associated with chemotherapy-related symptoms (throat and mouth, skin and nails and feeling of tension), there was no significant relationship with other symptoms (shortness of breath, diarrhoea, constipation, infection signs, alopecia and numbness in the hands or feet). It was concluded that social support status was an important factor for experiencing physical and psychological symptoms in Turkey.

Keywords

• gynaecological cancers
• social support
• chemotherapy