Role of continuing supportive cares in increasing social support and reducing perceived uncertainty among women with newly diagnosed breast cancer in Taiwan
Journal
Cancer Nursing
Journal Volume
29
Journal Issue
4
Pages
273-282
Date Issued
2006
Author(s)
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the roles of continuing supportive care in increasing the social support and reducing the perceived uncertainty among women newly diagnosed with breast cancer in Taiwan. A longitudinal, quasi-experimental design was used in this study. Sixty-one women younger than 60 years, newly diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing surgery, were recruited from 2 urban teaching hospitals in northern Taiwan. The experimental group was provided with additional continuing supportive care for 3 months. Two instruments, including the Social Support Questionnaire and an uncertainty questionnaire, were administered to participants at 3 time points: presurgery within 2 weeks after diagnosis, 1 month after surgery, and 3 months after diagnosis. The experimental group reported significantly higher social support and lower disease uncertainty compared with the control group at 1 month after surgery and 3 months after diagnosis. With knowledge of the role that continuing-care intervention plays in social support and disease uncertainty, nurses and other healthcare professionals can continue to explore and strengthen strategies to enhance the coping ability of women with breast cancer in Taiwan. ? 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.
Subjects
Continuing supportive care; Disease uncertainty; Social support; Women with breast cancer
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; article; breast cancer; female; human; major clinical study; priority journal; quasi experimental study; questionnaire; social support; Taiwan; teaching hospital; uncertainty; Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Analysis of Variance; Breast Neoplasms; Continuity of Patient Care; Female; Humans; Mastectomy; Middle Aged; Perioperative Care; Social Support; Taiwan; Uncertainty
Type
journal article