Asian Oncol Nurs.  2023 Dec;23(4):177-184. 10.5388/aon.2023.23.4.177.

Impacts of Uncertainty and Social Support on the Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Survivors after Chemotherapy: Based on Self-help Group Participants

• Hwang H
• Lee Y

• KMID: 2550441
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5388/aon.2023.23.4.177

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to determine the impact of uncertainty and social support on the quality of life of breast cancer survivors who received chemotherapy.
Methods
Data was collected from 119 participants diagnosed with breast cancer who had completed chemotherapy and were active members of breast cancer self-help groups in cities D and B.
Results
Factors influencing the quality of life were, in order of significance, uncertainty (β=-.58, p<.001), family history (β=-.15, p=.029), and medical staff support (β=.15, p=.043). The overall explanatory power was measured at 45.0%. It was observed that a lower level of uncertainty and a higher level of support from medical staff correlated with a better quality of life. Furthermore, participants without a family history of breast cancer were found to have a better quality of life than those with a family history of breast cancer.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that enhancing the quality of life of breast cancer survivors after chemotherapy requires nursing interventions aimed at reducing uncertainty and bolstering support from medical staff.

Keyword

Breast neoplasms; Survivors; Quality of life; Uncertainty; Social support