ROLE OF FAMILY SUPPORT AND ITS IMPACTS ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE BREAST CANCER PATIENT AT JAMSHORO

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer affects patients’ physical, psychological, social, and overall wellbeing. Family support may play an important role in helping patients cope with the challenges of diagnosis and treatment and may influence their quality of life. Objective: To assess the level of family support, determine the association between different dimensions of family support and quality of life. Methods: An Analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among breast cancer patients attending NIMRA Jamshoro. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, different dimensions of family support, and quality of life. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Frequencies and percentages were used for categorical variables, while associations between family support and quality of life were assessed using the chi-square test. Statistical significance was considered at p<0.05. Results: Most participants reported moderate levels of family support. Quality of life was low among a substantial proportion of patients. Inspiration and motivation, informational support, and spiritual support showed statistically significant associations with quality of life (p<0.001). However, emotional family support was not significantly associated with quality of life (p=0.20). Patients receiving stronger motivational, informational, and spiritual support generally demonstrated better quality of life. Conclusion: Family support is an important component of care for breast cancer patients. Strengthening motivational, informational, and spiritual family support through family-centered nursing care may help address patients’ psychosocial needs and improve their quality of life.