Impacts of Uncertainty and Social Support on the Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Survivors after Chemotherapy: Based on Self-help Group Participants

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the impact of uncertainty and social support on the quality of life of breast cancer survivors who received chemotherapy. Methods: Data was collected from 119 participants diagnosed with breast cancer who had completed chemotherapy and were active members of breast cancer self-help groups in cities D and B. Results: Factors influencing the quality of life were, in order of significance, uncertainty (beta=-.58, p<.001), family history (beta=-.15, p=.029), and medical staff support (beta=.15, p=.043). The overall explanatory power was measured at 45.0%. It was observed that a lower level of uncertainty and a higher level of support from medical staff correlated with a better quality of life. Furthermore, participants without a family history of breast cancer were found to have a better quality of life than those with a family history of breast cancer. Conclusion: These findings suggest that enhancing the quality of life of breast cancer survivors after chemotherapy requires nursing interventions aimed at reducing uncertainty and bolstering support from medical staff.