Social support, coping strategies and sociodemographic factors in women with breast cancer

Introduction The aim of this study was to analyze the associations between perceived social support and sociodemographic variables on coping strategies. Methods A prospective, cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted in 404 women with resected, non-metastatic breast cancer. Participants completed questionnaires: perceived social support (MSPSS), coping strategies (Mini-MAC), and psychological distress (BSI-18). Results Sociodemographic factors as age, education, and partnership status were associated with coping strategies. As for maladaptive strategies, hopelessness was more frequent in older people and lower educational level; fatalism in older and single people, and cognitive avoidance was associated with lower educational level. Suppor t from family, friends, and partners was associated with a greater fighting spirit. In contrast, high psychological distress (anxiety and depression) was associated with greater use of maladaptive strategies. Conclusion Young people, a high level of education, having a partner, low psychological distress, and seeking social support were associated with the use of adaptive cancer coping strategies.