Exploring the relationship between coping, social support and health-related quality of life for prostate cancer survivors: A review of the literature

The improved treatment of prostate cancer has lead to a decease in overall mortality however with more people living with the consequences of their treatment, there is more potential risk of late side effects, and for prostate cancer these inc chronic and enduring urinary, bowel, and sexual dysfunction for many years. These may all affect QoL. Past studies show prostate ca survivors have unmet needs, meaning many cope alone (studies cited in article) “need for informational support, particularly regarding the side-effects of the disease, associated treatments and on-going issues related to recurrence”. The addiction of social support may address the complex physical and psychological needs for men affected by PC. two dominant theoretical frameworks that link social support to improved physical and mental well-being: the Main Effects Model and the Stress Buffering Model . IN this metanalysis - searches were restricted to the search terms “prostate cancer”, “prostate carcinoma”, “health related quality of life”, “quality of life”, “social support”, “support groups” and “psycho-social”, “coping” and “adjustment”. The majority of the reviewed studies were prospective longitudinal and cross-sectional and therefore, there is limited evidence to identify the effect of social support on HRQoL at this time. reviewed data has identified that perceived social support, received social support and satisfaction with social support has been found to influence HRQoL for prostate cancer survivors. Some studies added support to the stress buffering model. existing evidence is largely restricted to the assessment of perceived social support. Perceived social support has been found to reflect more of personality disposition. Conclusion- more research required in coping and social support in QoL, adding multidimensional inventory not restricting to just one or two constructs. “Practically, this review has identified men who are highly distressed or who have inadequate support provisions are likely to benefit from social support intervention” Exploring the relationship between coping, social support and health-related quality of life for prostate cancer survivors: A review of the literature, European Journal of Oncology Nursing, Available online 31 May 2013