Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences
Academic Staff Research Repository
Dr. Flemmings Ngwira
AuthorLanguage & Communication Studies
19 publications
Flemmings Fishani Ngwira is a Senior Lecturer at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) and the current Head of the Academic Department; Language and Communication. He holds a PhD in Applied Psychology (Health Communication) and besides teaching and doing consultancies, he superv...
The Interplay Between Social Support, Emotional Distress, and Psychosocial Quality of Life Among Cancer Survivors: Advancing Progress Toward SDG 3
Journal ArticlePublished 1 day ago, 16 views
Author
Dr. Flemmings Ngwira
Co-authors
Wellman Kondowe, Jessie Mkandawire
Abstract
Objective: Cancer survivors face unique psychosocial stressors which impact their health and well-being. This study explores the prevalence and effects of perceived social support and emotional distress on survivors' psychosocial quality of life (QoL) in achieving sustainable development goal (SDG) 3: good health and well-being.
Theoretical Framework: This study employs the social support theory which emphasizes the importance of social support systems in improving psychological well-being and coping with
stress. The study further uses the stress and coping theory which focuses on how individuals cope with stress.
Method: This study recruited 120 cancer patients receiving treatment at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital and Kamuzu Central Hospital. Perceived social support and emotional distress
were measured using the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS) and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21). Data analysis was performed using IBM® SPSS® Statistics version 22.
Results and Discussion: Survivors reported higher emotional support but lower informational support, with moderate levels of instrumental support, anxiety, depression, and QoL. Social
support was positively linked to QoL, while emotional distress negatively impacted it. Additionally, anxiety and depression partially mediated the relationship between social support
and QoL.
Research Implications: This study emphasizes the importance of social support in improving cancer survivors' quality of life and reducing emotional distress. It suggests that healthcare
providers should focus on both emotional and instrumental support to better address survivors' mental health needs.
Originality/Value: The study highlights the greater importance of social support, and by focusing on cancer survivors in Malawi, the research contributes important regional data to the global understanding of cancer survivorship.
Keywords: cancer survivors, social support, emotional distress, quality of life, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Theoretical Framework: This study employs the social support theory which emphasizes the importance of social support systems in improving psychological well-being and coping with
stress. The study further uses the stress and coping theory which focuses on how individuals cope with stress.
Method: This study recruited 120 cancer patients receiving treatment at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital and Kamuzu Central Hospital. Perceived social support and emotional distress
were measured using the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS) and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21). Data analysis was performed using IBM® SPSS® Statistics version 22.
Results and Discussion: Survivors reported higher emotional support but lower informational support, with moderate levels of instrumental support, anxiety, depression, and QoL. Social
support was positively linked to QoL, while emotional distress negatively impacted it. Additionally, anxiety and depression partially mediated the relationship between social support
and QoL.
Research Implications: This study emphasizes the importance of social support in improving cancer survivors' quality of life and reducing emotional distress. It suggests that healthcare
providers should focus on both emotional and instrumental support to better address survivors' mental health needs.
Originality/Value: The study highlights the greater importance of social support, and by focusing on cancer survivors in Malawi, the research contributes important regional data to the global understanding of cancer survivorship.
Keywords: cancer survivors, social support, emotional distress, quality of life, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Year of Publication
2025
Journal Name
Journal of Lifestyle and SDG's Review
Volume
5
Issue
e02653
Page Numbers
1-26
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