Determining the relationship between perceived social support and quality of life of cancer patients and their caregivers

Aim: This study is to determine the relationship between perceived social support and quality of life of cancer patients and caregivers. Material and Method: The study was done between June 2015 and July 2016. The study universe consisted in 1454 adult patients and caregivers who were hospitalized in the İnönu University Turgut Özal Medical Center Onkology Departments. A total of 318 cancer patient and 318 caregivers made up the study sample, a size calculated according to a formula applicable to known study universe. In data collecting; patient and caregiver identification form, Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale and Rolls Royce Quality of Life Scale were used. In the evaluation of the data descriptive statistics, number, percentage, Kruskal Wallis, ANOVA and Pearson Correlation test were used. Results: Within this study it is determined that the social support levels of the cancer patients and their caregivers are high. Within the study it is determined that disease duration, disease diagnosis and duration of caregiving don't affect the levels of social support of patients and their caregivers (p>0.05). Within the study it is determined that the diagnosis of the disease doesn't affect the quality of the lives of cancer patients, while the duration of the diseases and caregiving affect the quality of the lives of both groups. Conclusion: It has been determined that the higher the level of the social support is, the higher the quality of the lives of cancer patients and their caregivers is. In accordance with these result, it can be proposed to improve the resources of social support, support by nurses and increase counseling programs in order to increase the quality of lives of cancer patients and their caregivers. Key Words: Cancer, Caregiver, Nurse, Social Support, Quality of Life