Social networks and quality of life for long-term survivors of leukemia and lymphoma

This study examined the relationship between personal and medical characteristics and quality of life (QOL) for long-term survivors (LTS) of leukemia and lymphoma, and how social networks influence this relationship. Fifty three LTS, at least 10 years postdiagnosis, were administered a standardized...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Supportive care in cancer 2006-02, Vol.14 (2), p.185-192
Main Authors: Lim, Jung-Won, Zebrack, Brad
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Cancer
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Health Status
Humans
Leukemia - psychology
Leukemia - therapy
Lymphoma - psychology
Lymphoma - therapy
Male
Middle Aged
Older people
Patient Satisfaction
Quality of Life
Social networks
Social Support
Survivors - psychology
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Summary:This study examined the relationship between personal and medical characteristics and quality of life (QOL) for long-term survivors (LTS) of leukemia and lymphoma, and how social networks influence this relationship. Fifty three LTS, at least 10 years postdiagnosis, were administered a standardized psychometric instrument, the Quality of Life--Cancer Survivors, to assess multidimensional aspects of QOL. Social network characteristics were measured by items assessing social support satisfaction, use of supportive care services, network size, and reliance on formal and informal social ties. A hierarchical regression model explained 52.4% of the variance in QOL for the final model, including all important predictors. Social support satisfaction (beta=0.393, p=0.001) and the use of supportive care services (beta=-0.262, p=0.047) significantly predicted QOL after controlling for confounding variables. Social network structures (including network size and reliance on formal and informal social ties) were indirectly associated with QOL through the use of supportive care services. The results indicate that the use of supportive care services, satisfaction with social support, network size, and reliance on formal and informal social ties affect QOL for long-term cancer survivors. Enhancing cancer survivors' social networks may ultimately improve their QOL.
ISSN:0941-4355
1433-7339
DOI:10.1007/s00520-005-0856-x