The Relationship Between Social Support and the Level of Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life of Turkish Women With Gynecologic Cancer

BACKGROUND: Anxiety and depression are among the most common psychosocial problems with gynecologic cancer patients. In this respect, "social support" has become a key tool in the patients' coping with the aforementioned risk factors as an important contributor to their well-being. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between social support and the level of anxiety, depression, and quality of life of Turkish women with gynecologic cancer. METHODS: In a hospital in Turkey, 187 women with a diagnosis of gynecologic cancer comprised a convenience sample and completed 4 study instruments in a cross-sectional design. RESULTS: Statistically significant correlations among type of perceived social support, quality of life, anxiety, and depression (P < .001) were found. While high social support was associated with increased quality of life, it was also associated with reduced anxiety and depression rates. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the type of perceived social support by the patients with cancer had significant effect on depression, anxiety, and quality of life. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Social support is a powerful tool that can mediate the effects of difficult life stressors and decrease the incidence of mood disorders, and, therefore, greater importance should be attached to it in the realm of cancer treatment. Supported by the collaborative efforts of family members and healthcare professionals, cancer patients will more easily cope with the drawbacks of their state.