Prevalence, Predictors, and the Role of Social Support in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Cancer Patients in Oman.

Cancer Nurs

Author Affiliations: College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University (Mr Al Amri and Drs Al Qadire, Abdelrahman, Al Omari, and Aljezawi), Muscat, Sultanate of Oman; Faculty of Nursing, Al Al-Bayt University (Drs Al Qadire and Aljezawi), Mafraq, Jordan; Faculty of Nursing, Suez Canal University (Dr Abdelrahman), Ismailia, Egypt; and Faculty of Educational Sciences, Hashemite University (Dr Damra), Zarqa, Jordan.

Published: March 2024

AI Article Synopsis

  • Cancer significantly impacts patients' psychological well-being, with a study finding a 27.4% prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Omani cancer patients.
  • Enhanced social support is linked to lower PTSD risk, suggesting that patients with stronger support systems are less likely to experience PTSD.
  • The study recommends early PTSD assessments and psychiatric referrals for recently diagnosed patients, emphasizing the importance of social support in improving patient outcomes.

Article Abstract

Background: Cancer, regardless of type, presents a formidable life challenge affecting patients' psychological well-being. Many perceive cancer diagnosis and treatment as traumatic.

Objectives: This study aimed to estimate posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prevalence in Omani adult cancer patients, identify predictors, and probe its correlation with social support.

Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 343 adult cancer patients undergoing treatment from 3 hospitals in the Middle East country of Oman. Posttraumatic stress disorder was assessed via the PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, and perceived social support was measured using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support.

Results: The prevalence of PTSD among Omani adult cancer patients was 27.4%. Enhanced social support correlated with lower PTSD risk (odds ratio [OR], 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93-0.97; P < .001). Predictors included shorter time since diagnosis (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99; P = .017), no psychiatric referral (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.23-0.96; P = .04), and insufficient social support (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.94-0.98; P < .001).

Conclusions: Social support significantly mitigates PTSD risk. Routine assessment and psychiatric referrals, especially for recent diagnoses, can enhance patients' lives. Reevaluating the PTSD diagnostic cutoff score (33) merits consideration for improved clinical use.

Implications For Practice: Early PTSD assessment, particularly for low-social support new-diagnosed patients, is crucial for timely intervention. Psychiatric referrals can guide specialized treatments. Stressing social support's role can guide healthcare providers, including oncology nurses, in supporting patients effectively.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/NCC.0000000000001349DOI Listing

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