Relationship between social support and self-hardiness among breast cancer women in Nasiriyah, Iraq

Objective: To assess the role of social support in predicting self-hardiness among women having breast cancer. Method: The descriptive correlational study was conducted at the Oncology Centre, Nasiriyah, Iraq, from August 3 to September 22, 2022, and comprised women receiving treatment for breast cancer. Data was collected using a questionnaire designed in the light of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, which was found reliable on the basis of a pilot study. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. Results: There were 150 women with mean age 50.4±11.18 years. Of them, 135(90%) were married, 113(75.3%) were unemployed, 90(60%) were living in rural areas, and 89(59.3%) had low socioeconomic status. Overall, 108(72%) patients reported they received little social support. Self-hardiness significantly differed in relation to marital status (p=0.021), place of residence (p=0.003) and income level (p=0.005). Social support positively correlated with self-hardiness (p=0 .000). Conclusion: Social support was found to be a predictor of increased self-hardiness that enhances resilience and enables patients to deal with one of the most devastating illnesses of modern times. Keywords: Cancer, Breast, Neoplasms, Counselling

Social Support and Its Association With the Quality of Life (QoL) of Amputees

Objectives: Social support is an essential source of psychological support that a disabled person needs in daily life. Social support and level of satisfaction affect how the patient perceives the various stresses of life. Because of few studies on amputees, it is necessary to study social support and its impact on their quality of life (QoL). This study investigates social support and its relationship to QoL among amputation cases living in Kut City, Iraq. Methods: This correlational study was conducted on 150 participants attending the Prosthetics Center in Kut. We investigated the relationship between social support and the QoL of amputees. The study questionnaire’s reliability was assessed through a pilot study, and it was subsequently presented to experts for validation. The information was collected through interview techniques and evaluated using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Results: The Mean age of the participants was 38 years. They were mostly married males and unemployed with low economic status. Findings show that 68% of the participants expressed poor social support. Their social status, residents, and income had been influenced the social support (Mean±SD: 34.18±14.978), and 62% expressed a poor QoL (Mean±SD: 85.37±21.008). There was a significant correlation between social support and QoL (P=0.000), and social support significantly affected the QoL for amputation cases (P=0.000). Discussion: There is a strong significant positive correlation between social support and QoL. The QoL among amputated cases was dependent on their social support. If family, friends, and community members provide embellished social support for amputees, they can face adversity and crises and lead their lives more effectively