Importance of Social Support for Functional Status in Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

The role of social support in functional status to a diagnosis of cancer was examined in 84 patients withbreast cancer. Multivariate techniques were used to assess the relationships among the dimensions of socialsupport, as measured by the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and functionalstatus, assessed with the Inventory of the Functional Status Cancer (IFSA-CA). The results indicated significantindependent associations between support and functional status outcomes, underscoring the importance ofexamining social support to evaluate functional status of patients. Nurses cognizant of breast cancer survivorschallenges and concerns in areas of social support and are in a unique position to enhance functional status.