Effects of the supportive care needs of patients with cancer on their comfort levels

Background: Providing supportive care to patients with cancer and improving their comfort levels can promote their adjustment to the disease, compliance with treatment and improve their quality of life. Aim: The aim of this cross-sectional, descriptive study was to identify the effects of the supportive care needs of cancer patients on their comfort levels. Methods: The study was performed in the oncology department of a university hospital. A total of 153 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy constituted the sample. The data collection procedure included the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS) and the General Comfort Questionnaire (GCQ). Results: The SCNS scores of the patients were low (Mean±SD: 75.13±27.93). The socio-cultural dimension of the GCQ was the most adversely influenced area of comfort. There was a negative relationship between needs and comfort levels (rs=-0.69, p<0.01). Lower scores of comfort were associated with higher scores of SCNS (ß=-0.487; ß=-0.316; ß=-0.958, respectively). Conclusions: Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were supported in meeting their physical and psychological needs and performing their activities of daily living and care during their hospital stay. Patients with higher support needs had lower comfort levels.