The Relationship between Health Promoting Lifestyle and Perceived Social Support in Women undergoing Chemotherapy for Reproductive System Cancers referring to the Oncology Units of Al-Zahra and Ghazi Tabatabaei Hospitals in Tabriz, 1395

Abstract

Objective: Gynecological cancers are most common. One of the most important modifiable risk factor in many cancers is lifestyle, that can affect health and make it better or harm. Social support can facilitate coping abilities and improve active coping strategies to help individuals adjust to life changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between health promoting lifestyle and perceived social support in women treated by chemotherapy for cancers of the reproductive system. Method: This cross - sectional study was conducted through a convenience sample of 151 women who treated by chemotherapy for cancers of the reproductive system in oncology units of Al-zahra and Shahid Qazi Tabatabai hospitals in Tabriz, 2016. The sociodemographic questionnaire, perceived social support (PRQ-85-part2) and Health Promoting Lifestyle-II (HPLP II) were Completed. The data were analyzed using the pearson correlation tests, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and multivariate linear regression. Results: The mean (standard deviation) score of health promotion lifestyle was 2.30 (0.38) of the achievable score ranged from 1 to 4. The highest mean (standard deviation) score was for nutrition subscale 2.50 (0.49) and the lowest mean (standard deviation) score was for physical activity subscale 2.10 (0.5). The mean (standard deviation) score of perceived social support was 127.55 (16.64) of the achievable score ranged from 1 to 4. There was a significant positive correlation between perceived social support and health promotion lifestyle and its dimensions, except physical activity (p <0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the performance of health promotion behaviors was moderate in women with gynecological cancer and the level of social support received was high. Considering the significant relationship between health promoting lifestyle and perceived social support, it is obvious that determining the risk factors such as lifestyle and behavioral factors and social support as a positive indicator of lifestyle and effective on health promoting behaviors can play an important role in preventing and controlling the disease and promoting community health