Journal article
Changes in Female Support Network Systems and Adaptation After Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Differences Between Older and Younger Patients
The Gerontologist, Vol.49(4), pp.549-559
05/22/2009
DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnp048
PMCID: PMC2733765
PMID: 19465702
Abstract
Purpose: This study evaluates the changes in social networks of older and younger breast cancer patients over a 6-month period following their first diagnosis and how such modifications are associated with changes in the patients’ mood state. Design and Methods: Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients were interviewed shortly after their diagnosis and again 6 months later. Female support network members enumerated by patients were interviewed once within 3 months of the patients’ initial interview. Results: Findings based on information for 149 network members of 26 patients indicate that members in older (≥51 years) patients’ networks were less likely to be dropped at follow-up (odds ratio [OR] = 0.21, p = .04) compared with those in younger patients’ networks. Network members who provided more support were less likely to be dropped by younger patients (OR = 0.42, p < .01). Decrease in network size was associated with decrease in mood disturbances among younger patients (Profile of Mood State–Bipolar: β = 0. 35, p ≤ .01). Implications: Reducing the number of network members after cancer diagnosis may not necessarily lead to psychological distress, providing support for self-regulation of social network resources among cancer patients. Older patients’ network members were more embedded in patients’ networks, making it more stable over time. Identifying important network members (e.g., frequent support providers for younger patients and family members for older patients) and facilitating positive social interactions between these network members and patients may be beneficial.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Changes in Female Support Network Systems and Adaptation After Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Differences Between Older and Younger Patients
- Creators
- Sato Ashida - Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MarylandAunchalee E. L Palmquist - Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MarylandKaren Basen-Engquist - Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, HoustonS. Eva Singletary - Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, HoustonLaura M Koehly - Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- The Gerontologist, Vol.49(4), pp.549-559
- DOI
- 10.1093/geront/gnp048
- PMID
- 19465702
- PMCID
- PMC2733765
- NLM abbreviation
- Gerontologist
- ISSN
- 0016-9013
- eISSN
- 1758-5341
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 05/22/2009
- Academic Unit
- Injury Prevention Research Center; Public Policy Center (Archive); Community and Behavioral Health
- Record Identifier
- 9984214820902771
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