암환자가 지각하는 가족지지가 암환자의 삶의 질에 미치는 영향

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to find the ways to improve a quality of life of cancer patients through the family support by analyzing the correlation between quality of life and family support that cancer patients perceived. Methods: The questionnaires for this study were collected from 43 cancer patients who were admitted in general hospitals at Gyounggido from July 2004 to August 2004. The questionnaire was composed of total 60 items, which were general characteristics of 18 items, family support of 11 items and quality of life of 31 items. Kang's(1984) scale of family support and Tae's(2000) scale of quality of life were used. The data were analyzed with SPSS WIN 10.0 program using frequency, mean±SD, t-test, ANOVA and Pearson's correlation analysis. Results: Forty three cancer patients answered the questionnaire. Twenty three patients was a male and 20 a female. Mean scale of family support according to general characteristics was 3.87±0.71. Mean scale of quality of life according to general characteristics was 5.89±1.08 and relatively high. The better degree of education, the higher quality of life significantly and the less physical discomfort, the higher quality of life significantly. The quality of life when the patient burdens the spouse with treatment cost was significantly higher. A correlation between degree of family support and quality of life was r=0.488 and the higher family support that cancer patients perceived, the higher quality of life significantly(p<0.001). Conclusion: The higher family support that cancer patients perceived, the higer quality of life significantly. We suggest concrete and systemic program for family support.