Scholarly record

THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL SUPPORT IN ONCOLOGY PATIENTS

Jiri Vevoda, Sarka Jezorska, Lukas Merz

Abstract

The number of malignant diseases has been increasing worldwide. The situation in the Czech Republic is similar, seen from the epidemiologic perspective, as we rank among those countries with the highest incidence in Europe. Malignant disease is continually perceived as one of the most serious. It is difficult for patients to come to terms with the diagnosis of malignant disease and may trigger strong emotional reactions. If the patient suffers from a life-threatening disease, it poses a source of chronic stress. Social support – friends, family, partner – is of utter importance throughout this strenuous period and is the source of security and content. Little attention is paid to the mental aspect of oncology diseases in the Czech Republic, however. Our research focuses on ascertaining the rate of anxiety and depression amongst patients with colorectal cancer and determining the effect of social support on the prevalence of anxiety and depression in these patients. There were four research aims: to survey the rate of 1) anxiety and 2) depression in patients with colorectal cancer; 2) to survey the effect of social support on the rate of anxiety in patients with colorectal cancer; 3) to survey the effect of social support on the rate of depression in patients with colorectal cancer. Quantitative research was used. Three standardised questionnaires were used to collect data: PSSS, BDI-II and BIA. The research group was comprised of 348 respondents: 170 clients of a proctological outpatient surgery and 178 respondents in the control group. The inclusion criteria for a simple judgement sampling were: aged 18 or older, visiting a proctological outpatient surgery, diagnosed with colorectal cancer and in regular care, previously not treated for a diagnosed depression or anxiety. The control group: aged 18 or older, previously not diagnosed or treated for colorectal cancer or another serious disease. The data were gathered in Olomouc and Prague in 2013-2014. The results suggest there is no significant difference in the depression rate between the research group with colorectal carcinoma and the control group. In contrast to the previous data, the results show that the research group had a significantly higher rate of anxiety than the control group. The results indicate that with a higher level of social support, the rate of anxiety decreases (r ? ? 0.900) as well as depression. (r = ? 0.920). Social support was consequently confirmed as a significant health-protective factor. The research has demonstrated that an oncologic disease increases anxiety. It shows the notable positive effect of social support on the patient. The manner in which the oncologic patients deal with the mental strain caused by the disease plays an important role in the healing process. Good social support is an important factor contributing to a lower rate of anxiety and depression amongst oncologic patients, thus helping in the course of the disease.

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