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Predicting cancer patients' participation in support groups: a longitudinal study
Gunn Grande1, Janine Arnott2, Caroline Brundle1
1School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work The University of Manchester, UK.
Patient Education and Counseling
|May 28, 2014
Summary
Few cancer patients join support groups. This study found that positive views of groups, recommendations, and readiness to participate predict involvement. Addressing patient support needs is key.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Cancer support groups offer significant benefits, yet patient participation remains low.
- Understanding predictors of participation is crucial for improving engagement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the predictive importance of Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) variables for cancer support group participation.
- To examine the influence of disease impact, social support, coping, and demographic factors on participation.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study involving 192 cancer patients (colorectal, lung, prostate).
- Baseline surveys measured TPB variables, distress, coping, social support, quality of life, and readiness to participate.
- Group participation and recommendations were assessed at six-month follow-up using univariable and Random Forest analyses.
Main Results:
- Readiness to participate was linked to inadequate social support and positive perceptions of support groups.
- Lower cognitive functioning, receiving recommendations, and higher readiness predicted actual group participation within six months.
- Only 13 out of 192 patients participated in a group by the six-month follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare practitioners can enhance support group participation by fostering positive attitudes towards groups and making recommendations.
- Interventions should target patients with greater disease impact and less existing social support.
- Addressing psychological and social factors is vital for increasing engagement in cancer support groups.
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