Research Article

Social support and health-related quality of life in Nigerian cancer patients: Role of cancer-related stress

Published in: Journal of Psychology in Africa
Volume 33 , issue 3 , 2023 , pages: 248–256

DOI: 10.1080/14330237.2023.2207393

Author(s): Erhabor Sunday Idemudia North-West University, South Africa , Desmond Uchechukwu Onu University of Nigeria, Nigeria , Maria-Chidi Christiana Onyedibe University of Nigeria, Nigeria , Lawrence E Ugwu North-West University, South Africa

Keywords: cancer , cancer patients , cancer-related stress , health-related quality of life , social support

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Abstract

We investigated the mediating influence of cancer-related stress (CRS) in social support health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Nigerian cancer patients. Nigerian cancer patients (n = 316; female = 64.6%; mean age = 50.16 years, SD = 13 years) completed measures of perceived social support, CRS, and HRQoL. Structural model data analysis revealed social support was associated with lower HRQoL. CRS (intrusive domain) mediated the association between social support and HRQoL, such that social support was linked to reduced cancer distress which in turn resulted in improved HRQoL. These findings suggest a need to improve HRQoL, employing cognitive-based therapy aimed at reducing CRS in cancer patients.

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