Moderating Effect of Posttraumatic Growth on the Relationship Between Social Support and Quality of Life in Colorectal Cancer Patients With Ostomies.
Hyerang Kim, Heesook Son
PMID 33886236WHAT IT FOUND
In colorectal cancer patients with ostomies, social support was linked to better psychological and social quality of life mainly when posttraumatic growth was low.
Patients with high posttraumatic growth showed weaker links or no clear link.
Key findings
01Social support was positively associated with psychological and social well-being, but not physical or spiritual well-being.
02The association between social support and psychological or social well-being differed by posttraumatic growth level, but the association with physical or spiritual well-being did not.
03The link between social support and psychological or social well-being was stronger at low and mean posttraumatic growth and weaker at high posttraumatic growth.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study was cross-sectional, so it cannot show that social support or posttraumatic growth caused quality-of-life differences. Participants were recruited from a stoma support association, so their level of social support may not represent all ostomy patients. The survey did not measure the amount, type, or satisfaction with social support actually received. The authors noted the sample size was small and variables were limited. Of 140 participants, 107 had colostomy and 132 had a permanent ostomy, so results may not apply to patients with different ostomy types.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that providing more social support will improve quality of life. This was a cross-sectional survey of patients recruited from a stoma support group, so it shows associations only, not cause and effect.