An Exploration of Social Support of Patients with Prostate Cancer Accessing Hospital Services

Date
2018-08-27
Authors
Miller, Krista
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Publisher
University of Guelph
Abstract

Prostate cancer can be defined as the development of a mass of cells forming a cancerous tumor in the prostate. Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and one of the top types of cancer-causing death among men in North America. The psychosocial impact on men living with prostate cancer is a major issue for their health. Research suggests that men who had the highest stress levels were those that perceived to have few people to share their emotional problems with (Jan et al., 2016). In this current study, participants were invited from a regional hospital in Kitchener, Ontario to complete a survey that contained demographic questions and the Berlin Social Support Scales. Results suggest that there were no statistically significant differences between men who reported their masculinity impacted or not and their social support scores. There were also no statistically significant associations between income and need for support and support seeking, as well as patients’ relationship status and whether they reported their masculinity impacted or not. Moreover, suggestions are given for moving forward with research surrounding patients with prostate cancer and their social support needs.

Description
Keywords
Prostate, Prostate Cancer, Social Support, Masculinity, Support, Hospital Services
Citation