Relation of family social support and life satisfaction in cancer patients

Cancer patients encounter with series of challenges that can affect family support and eventually life satisfaction. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between family social support and life satisfaction in cancer patients. This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 76 patients, referred to the Department of Oncology of Imam Sajjad Hospital in Ramsar in 2017. The sampling method was census and the data-gathering tool included: 1) demographic characteristics 2) satisfaction with life scale (SWLS) 3) functional social support questionnaire (FSSQ). The scores were ranged from 79 to 316. The data were analyzed using SPSS 19 with ANOVA, T-test, Pearson and regression tests. The results indicated that the overall scores of family social support were very good (with mean and standard deviation of 256.16 ± 36.42) and life satisfaction was moderate (with  mean and standard deviation of 21.79±6.53). There was a significant relationship between the total social support scores of the family and life satisfaction (p= 0.002 and r=0.375). Linear regression analysis suggested that family emotional support was the predictor factor of life satisfaction. Based on the present research, family social support was one of the factors influencing on patient satisfaction, but it did not seem adequate because the life satisfaction was moderate despite the fact that family social support was high. Therefore, it is suggested that more research should be performed in order to promote the life satisfaction.