The effect of social capital enhancement on quality of life, treatment compliance and pain in patients with breast cancer

Abstract

Background: Nowadays, research about quality of life in breast cancer patients is so important, because of progress in treatment procedure in health science. Brest cancer influences quality of life aspects and disrupts social relationships. This creates recluse lifestyle and speeds up disease trend. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect(s) of social capital on quality of life, treatment compliance, and pain in patients with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: In a clinical trial, 29 patients with breast cancer (who referred to Kashany hospital in Shahrekord during 2010 2012) through non-probability (available) sampling were selected and randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group received some interventions to promote social capital and the non-intervention group took routine treatment. Results: Before the intervention, both groups were similar in terms of the study variables. But after the intervention, in the intervention group social capital, Qol and treatment compliance increased and in the non-intervention group, these variables decreased. Pain in both groups was reduced, but this reduction was more noticeable in the intervention group. Conclusions: Increasing the social capital results in promoting Qol, health behaviors, treatment compliance and pain relief. Then methods of promoting social capital can be used as a way to improve Qol and treatment compliance and relieve pain.