J Korean Oncol Nurs.  2009 Feb;9(1):52-59.

Perceived Family Support and Quality of Life in Patients with Cancer

• Kim KH
• Chung BY
• Kim KD
• Byun HS

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate perceived family support and quality of life in patients with cancer. METHOD: Data were collected from 83 cancer patients in the 3 cities of Korea. Family support was measured using the Tae's Family Support Scale and quality of life was measured using Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G).
RESULTS
The mean scores of family support and quality of life were 30.48 and 53.04 respectively. Family support was significantly different according to marital status, education level, income, living together, helper, type of treatment, and weight change. Quality of life was significantly different according to the purpose of treatment, weight change, performance status, exercise, and sleep. There was a positive correlation between family support and quality of life (r=0.499, p<0.000).
CONCLUSION
The study results underscore the importance of family support in improving the quality of life of patients with cancer.

Keyword

Cancer; Family support; Quality of life

MeSH Terms

Humans
Korea
Marital Status
Quality of Life