Abstract:

Surgical interventions, which are frequently used in the treatment of cancer, increase the social support needs of patients by adding new surgical-related concerns to psycho-social problems already experienced due to cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the perceived social support level of the patients who will undergo surgery for colorectal cancer and the factors that affect that. Method: This descriptive study was conducted between December 2016 and June 2017 with 51 patients who were hospitalized for applying colorectal cancer surgery. For data collection, the patients were visited by the researchers in their rooms 1-3 days before the operation and "Data Collection Form" and "Social Support Scale for Cancer Patients" were used. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, t test, variance analysis and correlation analysis. Results were evaluated at 95% confidence interval and p <0.05 significance level. Results: It was determined that the patients scored 136.47 ± 10.87 points from the CPSSS, 54.09 ± 4.64 from the trust support sub-dimension, 48.60 ± 5.30 from the emotional support sub-dimension and 33.76 ± 3.89 from the information support sub-dimension. It was found that factors affected the social support level of the patients were age, educational level and income status, concerns of the patients about the future, thinking that the support of the health personnel is sufficient and to receive the support from the family, environment and/or professional during the disease process. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the perceived social support of patients expecting surgical intervention for colorectal cancer was quite good and that they could provide the social support they needed, while some demographic and personal factors could affect their perception of social support. In line with these results, it is recommended that in the process of preparation for surgical intervention, the social support levels of patients with colorectal cancer and the factors that may affect their perceptions of social support should be evaluated, preoperative nursing care should include the applications that may help to provide the social support. New studies investigating social support and related features in the preparation process of surgical intervention for patients with colorectal cancer should be conducted.

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