Changes and predictors of social support in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors—Results of a 7‐year longitudinal study

Author:

Merz Sabrina1,Friedrich Michael1,Brock Hannah1ORCID,Leuteritz Katja1ORCID,Geue Kristina1ORCID,Richter Diana1,Mehnert‐Theuerkauf Anja1ORCID,Sender Annekathrin1ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology University of Leipzig Medical Center, Comprehensive Cancer Center Central Germany (CCCG) Leipzig Germany

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveAs social support has been shown to have beneficial effects on coping with cancer, our study aims to close the research gap on perceived social support in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors.MethodsAYAs evaluated their perceived positive social support (PS) and detrimental interactions (DI) by completing the Illness‐Specific Social Support Scale (ISSS‐8) upon completion of acute treatment (t1) as well as 1 year (t2) and 7 years (t6) later. Temporal changes of social support were examined. Sociodemographic, psychological and medical factors were investigated as predictors for PS and DI by using mixed effects models.ResultsWe analyzed data from 319 cancer survivors (74.9% women). At baseline, survivors reported an average score of 13.73 (SD = 2.52) for PS and 3.92 (SD = 2.85) for DI. Average perceived PS changed over time, while DI remained stable. Males, AYAs without a partner and AYAs with clinically meaningful anxiety or depression levels reported fewer PS. Higher effort to cope with the disease and clinically significant anxiety and depression levels were associated with more perceived DI.ConclusionsExisting social networks and perceived social support should be evaluated regularly in AYA‐cancer survivorship. The identification and discussion of mental health of AYAs should also be a standard component in survivor consultations both during treatment and follow‐up care, as elevated depression and anxiety levels were associated with fewer PS and more perceived DI.

Funder

Deutsche Krebshilfe

Publisher

Wiley

Reference40 articles.

1. Importance of Social Support in Cancer Patients

2. Social support and adolescent cancer survivors: a review of the literature

3. National Cancer Institute.Closing the Gap: Research and Care Imperatives for Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer: Report of the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Progress Review Group.2006. [Cited December 2022].https://www.cancer.gov/types/aya/research/ayao‐august‐2006.pdf

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