Social Support and Depression in Iranian Cancer Patients: the Role of Demographic Variables

Abstract

Introduction: Depression is the most frequent mental disorder in cancer patients, which is, unfortunately, less noticeable. Despite extensive researches, we only have scant knowledge about the influence of social support on depression in cancer patients. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between perceived social support and depression and demographic variables on cancer patients. Methods:  This is a descriptive correlational study on two hundred cancer patients in Isfahan, Iran. The study subjects were selected through convenient sampling method and data were collected using questionnaires (demographic questionnaire, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Beck Depression Scale (BDS). Data were analyzed by SPSS software (Frequency distribution, Chi-Square and Spearman correlation). Results: The findings showed that social support and depression in cancer patients are significantly correlated with each other (r = - 0.785, P <0.001). Furthermore, the findings indicated that there are statistically significant correlations between degrees of education with depression and also between the numbers of children with social support and depression in cancer patients. For all analyses, was considered significant. Conclusion: In conclusion, we suggest that interventions to alleviate depression in cancer patients may be designed with consideration of demographic characteristics especially the level of education and the number of supporters of the patient to increase the quality of life in cancer patients and minimize the negative consequences of cancer diagnosis.

Keywords: Depression, Social Support, Cancer, Patients