A Mixed Analysis On Coping And Social Support Needs Of Breast Cancer Survivors In Chennai, India

Abstract

A breast cancer survivor requires social support to live and have a good quality of life. Breast cancer survivors' psychological, physical, and cognitive performance declined more rapidly as a result of maladaptive coping and a lack of social support. 1. To assess the   coping and social support  needs among women who have had breast cancer. 2. To correlate breast cancer survivors' coping and social support needs with selected bio socio-demographic variables. 3. The aim of this research was to explore the breast cancer survivor's  coping and social support needs. Methods: Data was obtained from breast cancer survivors attending the Medical Oncology OPD using a concurrent triangulation mixed-method study design and convenient and purposive sampling techniques. The Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale and Hamby, Grych, and Banyard Coping Scale were used to extract data quantitatively. In order to collect data in qualitative aspects, semi-structured interview schedules were used. The majority of participants (84%) had a moderate to high degree of perceived social support need, with an average coping score of 58.67%. Stress management, spiritual well-being, family reinforcement, depression, and low self-esteem were among the themes that emerged from in-depth interviews with the participants. Conclusion: Social support was found to have a reasonable relationship with coping among breast cancer survivors. It also suggests the creation of a specific nursing care strategy to enhance the well-being of breast cancer survivors.