Illness perceptions and perceived social support among glioblastoma survivors during hospitalization

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a terminal form of illness. Illness perceptions play vital role in illness behavior and managing the disease. GBM cancer survivor's illness perceptions and their perceived social support is not systematically studied. Therefore, study aimed to understand the illness perceptions and perceived social support of GBM survivors during hospitalization.

The study used cross sectional-descriptive research design. A total of 40 GBM survivors were recruited by using convenience sampling method. The Illness Perception Questionnaire Revised (IPQ-R) by Moss-Morris, Weinman et al. (2002), and Perceived Social Support from Family (FSS-Family) and Perceived Social Support from Friends (PSS-Friends) scales by Mary E. Procidano and Kenneth (1983) were administered on recruited participants. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the personal and illness details of participants. Free R software was used to analyse the data. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were calculated on selected variables.

Half of the participants 50% (n = 20) did not aware of illness and 50% (n = 20) partially aware of their illness. Past sins 90% (n = 36), personal stress 90% (n = 36), increased work load 65% (n = 26), head Injury/smoking 55% (n = 22), personal dietary habits 50% (n = 20) were attributed as reasons for GBM. Participant's partially believed GBM was life threatening illness, causes emotional disturbances but not aware of consequences of illness. Perceived social support from family members and friends during hospitalization was found to be poor.

GBM survivor's informational and educational needs were not met adequately. Psychoeducational programmes, addressing negative believes associated with brain cancer and enhancing social support for glioma patients are recommended during hospitalization.