A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Resilience and Perceived Social Support among Cancer Patients

• Published in: Indian Journal of Psychiatric Nursing Vol. 20; no. 1; pp. 58 - 65
• Main Authors: Rani, Ruchika, Chadha, Lisa, Gupta, Sweety
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 01.01.2023
• Subjects: cancer; coping; resilience; social support
• ISSN: 2231-1505
• DOI: 10.4103/iopn.iopn_18_22

Introduction: Cancer is one of the health emergencies across the globe causing the highest mortality rates. Its dimensions are far beyond the physical illness as it causes a long-lasting psychological impact on the patient as well as family mental health due to its poor prognosis, low survival rates, and substantial distress due to its treatment modalities. This study aims to assess the level of resilience and perceived social support among cancer patients. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January 2020 to April 2020. A total of 405 cancer patients were enrolled in this research study who were attending the oncology outpatient department at our institute. The data was collected through planned interviews using Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale and the multidimensional scale of perceived social support to assess the level of resilience and perceived social support among patients. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The findings revealed that the highest level of resilience was shown among the patients who are self-efficient with a mean score of 5.36 ± 1.392 while the respondents obtained the maximum social support from their family with a mean score of 19.37 ± 3.653. It was found that there was a strong positive correlation between resilience and perceived social support, which was statistically significantP< 0.05), whereas no association was found between the level of resilience and perceived social support scores with sociodemographic variables (P < 0.05). Discussion: Promoting resilience and good social support during illness should be an important component of cancer care.