Abstract
Objectives
The aim of this study was to compare the social support levels of gynecological oncology patients regarding the first and fourth cycles of chemotherapy.
Materials and Methods
This descriptive study was planned to determine the social support levels of 50 women admitted to the gynecological oncology outpatient clinic and service in Ankara University Health Practice and Research Hospitals, Clinic of Obstetrics and Gyneacology during the first and fourth cycles of chemotherapy. After the informed consent form was read and signed by the women who met the research criteria and agreed to participate in the study, the data were collected face-to-face with the “Descriptive Characteristics Form” and “Cancer Patient Social Support Scale”.
Results
The age of the 50 participants was 59.20±10.18 years, the number of pregnancies was 3.18±1.83, the number of births was 2.42±1.48, and the age at menopause was 46.86±7.91. The initial score was 130.8±18.23 and the final score was 130.46±17.94. When the score change was analysed, it was found to be -0.34±18.52. When compared according to the 1st cycle and 4th cycle chemotherapy treatments of the participants in the study, an increase of 10% was observed in 26% of the patients in the scale scores. It was observed that there was a significant difference with those who had a good degree of knowledge about the disease, and there was a significant difference with the question of with whom the patient lived at home. No significant difference was found in other evaluation criteria. When the Pearson correlation analyses of the change in the scale score and the 10% increase in the score of the participants according to the 1st cycle and 4th cycle chemotherapy treatments were examined, it was determined that the degree of knowledge about the disease showed a moderate negative correlation. In the score change, it was found that there was a moderate negative correlation with with whom she lived at home.
Conclusion
It is recommended to determine the social support levels and needs of women diagnosed with gynecological cancer in chemotherapy treatment processes and to cooperate with the patient’s family and environment in this direction.