Longitudinal Effects of Social Support Availability on Quality of Life: Comparing African American and non-African American Colorectal Cancer Patients

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death, and a disproportionate number of African Americans (AA) bear the burden of this disease. This study aimed to determine whether the effects of social support during the early phase of survivorship on the quality of life of AA differ from those of non-AA. Colorectal cancer patients at community hospitals completed a survey at 2-months (T1) and 6-months (T2) post-diagnosis and provided valid data for the study variables (n=68). The survey included measures of mental (MOS SF-12; MF) and physical functioning (PF) and availability of social support (ISEL) at both time points. Participants were middle-aged (m=61 years), 35% female, 48% African American, and 48% had ≤ stage 2 cancer. Hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed that greater social support (SS) at T2 related to improved MF and PF among all patients after controlling for T1 MF and PF, SS, cancer stage, and age (ps<.05). Moreover, a significant interaction effect suggests that increase in SS had a greater improvement on MF among AA patients (p<.05). Six months post-diagnosis is a time when many colorectal cancer patients are completing treatment and attempting to return to their normal lives. The findings suggest that social support has a different impact on quality of life during this transitional period. African American colorectal cancer patients should be encouraged to utilize their social support as a means of improving their mental functioning. Community-based programs should also be tailored to assist AA in maximizing the beneficial effect of social support.