Relationship between Perceived Family Support and Quality of Life in Hospitalized Patients with Terminal Cancer

Ju, Myoung Jean; Sohn, Sue Kyung

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was to identify the relationship between perceived family support and quality of life in hospitalized patient with terminal cancer. METHOD: Study subjects were 104 patients with terminal cancer who were hospitalized and treated at K university hospital, in Busan. Perceived family support and quality of life were measured using the Kang's Revised Family Support Scale and Youn's Quality of Life scale for terminal patients. RESULTS: 1) The mean score of perceived family support was 4.23+/-0.61. The mean score of quality of life was 5.83+/-1.37. 2) The perceived family support was significantly different with primary care giver, food type, medical period after diagnosis. 3) The levels of quality of life was significantly different by number of children, effect of religion on the one' life, perceived state of disease and pain. 4) There was moderate positive correlation between perceived family support and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Increase in perceived family support was associated with increase in quality of life in hospitalized patients with terminal cancer. It is necessary that the development of nursing education program for family which help to support the patient with terminal cancer for increasing the quality of life of patient with terminal cancer.