Perceived social support and associations with health-related quality of life in young versus older adult patients with haematological malignancies

Abstract

Background This study compared the perceived social support of young and older adult cancer patients, examining possible influencing factors as well as associations with health-related quality of life. Methods A total of 179 young patients (18–39 years) and 200 older adult patients (> 70 years) with haematological malignancies completed questionnaires on their perceived social support (ISSS-8, scales: Positive Support and Detrimental Interactions, range 0–16) and health-related quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30). Tests for mean differences, correlations and regression analyses to determine associated variables of social support were performed. Results No difference was reported between young (M = 13.40, SD = 2.81) and older adult patients (M = 13.04, SD = 3.82; p = .313) for Positive Support. However, young patients (M = 4.16, SD = 3.10) reported having had more Detrimental Interactions than older patients did (M = 1.63, SD = 2.42; p < .001, Cohen’s d = .910). Comparison of the EORTC QLQ-C30 Function scales showed poorer outcomes for young patients on Emotional, Cognitive and Social Functions and a higher outcome on Physical Function compared with older adult patients. Regression analyses indicated that age (young vs. older adult patients) significantly explained proportions of variance in all models, with young age having a negative impact on Emotional, Cognitive and Social Functions and a positive impact on Physical and Role Functions compared with old age. Significant associations between Detrimental Interactions and all the scales examined except Cognitive Function were found. Conclusions The difference in negative perceptions of social support in young vs. older adult patients and its impact on health-related quality of life emphasises the necessity of differentiating between positive and negative social support. Negative interactions should be addressed through psychosocial care, particularly with young cancer patients.

The Influence of Social Family Support on Depression, Anxiety and Quality of Life Among Women with Breast Cancer: Literature Review

“…14 The research in this literature also explains the findings of low social support for decreased quality of life. 15 provided among them, namely emotional support, informational, and instrumental and real support. Their social support comes from various sources, namely family, hospitals, friends, places of worship and various other sources.…”

Differences in functioning between young adults with cancer and older age groups: A cross‐sectional study

“…Although few participants had missing values in the outcome measures in the EORTC QLQ C‐30, there are some methodological considerations that need to be addressed in our study. First, the age range represented in the literature emphasises inconsistencies in how to define young adults from middle‐aged adults and adolescence (Alliance, 2006 ; Geue et al, 2019 ; Sodergren, Husson, Rohde, Tomaszewska, Griffiths, et al, 2018 ). It is worth considering whether a narrower age range would better reflect the specific needs related to each stage of life (Quinn et al, 2015 ; Sodergren, Husson, Rohde, Tomaszewska, Griffiths, et al, 2018 ).…”

Differences in activity limitations and participation restrictions between young adults with cancer and older age groups: A cross-sectional study

“…Although few participants had missing values in the outcome measures in the EORTC QLQ C-30, there are some methodological considerations that need to be addressed in our study. First, the age-range represented in the literature emphasises inconsistencies in how to de ne young adults from middle-aged adults and adolescence [6,40,41]. It is worth considering whether a narrower age range would better re ect the speci c needs related to each stage of life [6,19].…”