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Providing social support to lung cancer patients: Understanding the complexities
Abstract   Peer reviewed

Providing social support to lung cancer patients: Understanding the complexities

Cindy Davis, M Moore and T Cadet
Psycho-Oncology, Vol.27(Supplement 1), pp.72-73
American Psychosocial Oncology Society Annual Conference, 15th (Tucson, United States, 22-Feb-2018–24-Feb-2018)
2018
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.4622
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https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.4622View
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Abstract

Clinical Sciences Oncology and Carcinogenesis Psychology oncology psychology biomedical social sciences
Background/Purpose:Lung cancer is the second leading form of cancer,resulting in more deaths annually than breast, prostate, and colorectalcancers combined. Despite this, there is limited understanding of specificpsychosocial needs for this population. Empirical evidence indicates thatlung cancer patients have a greater need for social support due toreduced mobility and potential accelerated decline in overall health sta-tus. This investigation explored the relationship between social supportand psychological functioning among lung cancer patients.Methods:Lung cancer patients (N = 131) at several national cancercenters across the USA were surveyed as part of their routine intakeon their psychological well-being (e.g., Behavioral Health Status(BHS) Scale) and various domains of social support. The sampleconsisted of 70 males and 61 females ranging in age from 38 to 89(mean = 63, SD = 13.66). Results:The regression modeling indicated that the predictorsexplained 42% of the total variation in BHS scores (R2= .423,F(9,121) = 9.849,p< .001). Four of seven domains of social support wereshown to be related to significant change in psychological well-being.Specifically, patients who reported having friends/family to help witheveryday responsibilities (β= 7.45,p= .025) and those who reportedreceiving advice from others (β= 4.314,p= .019) were found to havebetter overall BHS scores. On the other hand, higher levels of emo-tional support from others (β=-7.115,p< .001) and people that theycould count on to help with medical treatment (β=-9.193,p= .007)were related to poorer outcomes. Age and gendered showed no statis-tically significant differences in BHS scores.Conclusions and Implications:Consistent with the literature, socialsupport factors influence psychological functioning among lung cancerpatients. Current findings indicate that the relationship between thesefactors is complex. Due to the high symptom burden associated withlung cancer patients, the importance of identifying specific social sup-port needs is critical for improved quality of life.

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