Factors affecting perceived social support by adolescents with cancer

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive research study was to determine if there were differences in perceived social support based on family and health care resources. Family resources were measured by the parent's educational level, marital status and economic status. Health Care Resources were measured by program frequency, attendance, participation and satisfaction in the adolescent support program and the distance the adolescent lived from the health care facility. The study was a secondary data analysis. The participants were 130 adolescents with a diagnosis of cancer. Significant differences were found in perceived social support based on the mothers' level of education, but not in other family resources or health care resources. Based on the findings, nursing intervention and nursing research should focus on further identification of factors that increase the adolescents perceived social support.