The Impact of Spirituality and Social Support on Health-Related Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients, Marrakech, Morocco.

Abstract

Breast cancer is a major global problem affecting women, leading to changes in their physical and mental health and affecting their quality of life. Social and spiritual support can provide strength and resilience to improve their well-being. A cross-sectional study was conducted among breast cancer patients in Marrakech, Morocco. Data were collected via an interviewer-administered questionnaire by covering (a) sociodemographic, economic, and clinical data, (b) quality of life with the "EORTC Core Quality of Life Questionnaire", (c) social support with the "Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support", and (d) beliefs with the "System of Beliefs Inventory." Descriptive and correlational analyses were performed. The study included 220 breast cancer patients, with a mean age of 49.7 ± 10 years, who were mostly married (69.5%). The assessment revealed moderate perceptions of social support (4.9 ± 1.45) and beliefs (40.7 ± 5.9). Significant associations were found between the level of education and religious beliefs/social support (β =  - 0.235, p = 0.023; β = 0.217, p = 0.035), living alone and social support (β = 0.282, p = 0.001), time since diagnosis and social support/SBI (β =  - 0.183, p = 0.031; β - 0.248, p = 0.004), chemotherapy treatment and hormone therapy with SBI (β - 0.223, p = 0.005; β =  - 0.168, p = 0.031), and comorbidities and social support (β = 0.170, p = 0.024). Although social support and spirituality are important, they are not directly related to quality of life, suggesting the influence of other factors on patients' perceptions of quality of life. Promoting social support for breast cancer patients is crucial for healthcare professionals, emphasizing the importance of assessing patients' social support systems and integrating resources into treatment plans. Future research should explore the types of beneficial social support, influences on QoL, the role of digital support networks, and the conduct of longitudinal studies for more meaningful results.