Association between perceived spousal support and the quality of life of women with breast and gynaecological cancers in Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the association between perceived spousal support and the quality of life (QoL) among Nigerian women undergoing treatment for breast and gynaecological cancers. It aimed to assess how emotional, practical, financial, and health-related support from spouses influences patients’ physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being.

Method: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 133 Nigerian women receiving treatment for breast or gynaecological cancers. Data were collected online using structured questionnaires, including a 20-item spousal support scale and the City of Hope Quality of Life-Brief Instrument. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 17.

Results: The majority of respondents reported low to very low levels of emotional (58.7%), practical (66.2%), and financial (68.4%) spousal support. Significant impairments were observed across all QoL domains, especially psychological and social well-being. A moderate-to-strong positive correlation was found between perceived spousal support and overall QoL (r = 0.49, p = 0.0496), with the strongest correlation in the psychological domain (r = 0.51, p = 0.0291). Regression analysis showed that spousal support significantly predicted overall QoL (β = 0.38, p < 0.01), accounting for 31% of the variance.

Conclusion: Perceived spousal support plays a critical role in enhancing the quality of life for women with breast and gynaecological cancers in Nigeria. Interventions to improve partner engagement and reduce caregiving burden may improve clinical and psychosocial outcomes in this population.