The Role of Social Support on Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 PhD Student in Health Education and Health Promotion, Department of Health Education, School of Health, Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

2 Professor, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

Background: Social support plays an influential role in the quality of life of breast cancer patients. To address this research gap and provide researchers with a more comprehensive understanding of social support, we conducted a systematic review. Our goal is to contribute to the existing knowledge and improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients.
Methods: A systematic search of original observational research articles written in Persian and English from January 8, 2001, to May 18, 2023, was conducted using Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, BIO ONE, SSRN, and Google Scholar databases. The keywords were Breast Cancer, "Social Support, and Quality of Life. After excluding duplicate and irrelevant studies, 19 were included in the analysis. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was utilized to assess the quality of the included studies, and the findings were presented in a narrative format.
Findings: Studies conducted in different countries consistently show the meaningful role of social support, especially positive social interaction, in reducing the negative impact of cancer-related thoughts on quality of life. Furthermore, perceived social support was positively correlated with psychological quality of life. Also, the findings highlighted the mediating role of social support in the relationship between factors such as resilience, coping style, stigma, and fear of progress and their impact on quality of life.
Conclusion: This systematic review study provided comprehensive insights into the multifaceted relationship between social support and quality of life among breast cancer patients. It emphasized the importance of social support in reducing the psychological impact of cancer and increasing overall well-being.

Highlights

Vahid Nohtani: Google Scholar, PubMed

Nooshin Peyman: Google Scholar, PubMed

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 42, Issue 761
1st Week, June
May and June 2024
Pages 227-247

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History

  • Receive Date: 29 March 2024
  • Revise Date: 21 July 2024
  • Accept Date: 07 July 2024

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