Social support for breast cancer patients in the occupied Palestinian territory.

ABSTRACT: Previous research indicates that social support is beneficial to cancer patients in adjusting to the stress of the disease. Drawing on a qualitative content analysis of 36 semi-structured interviews, this article explores sources and types of social support in Arab-Palestinian women with breast cancer. Results show that members of the immediate family, husbands in particular, are reported to be the most supportive social sources. Given the limitations that characterize access to cancer care in the occupied Palestinian territory (OPT) and the collectivistic values of the society, women with breast cancer seem to rely mainly on their husbands to handle emotional, functional and informational needs. Emotional support includes the provision of care, trust, reassurance, and companionship. Funct

SUBMITTER: Almuhtaseb MIA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8213135 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature