"Social Support as a determinant of Health Related Quality of Life in B" by Faiza Rab
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Supervisor

Dr. Amardeep Thind

Abstract

Objective:

To evaluate the relationship between perceived social support and HRQOL (physical and emotional) in low SES breast cancer survivors.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study design was used to measure perceived social support at 18 months and HRQOL at 3 years after breast cancer diagnosis using MOS SS and MOS SF-36, respectively. Multiple regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship.

Results:

Menopause at the time of diagnosis, adjunct chemotherapy, adjunct radiation therapy, co-morbidities, treatment side effects and depression were negatively associated with PCS scores (p < 0.01). Treatment side effects, anxiety and depression were negatively associated with MCS scores (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

Perceived social support was not associated with HRQOL in low SES breast cancer survivors in our study. Menopause, co- morbidities, treatment side effect, adjunct chemotherapy and radiation therapy adversely affect physical HRQOL. Feelings of anxiety, depression and treatment side effects have a negative impact on emotional HRQOL.

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