Role of Social Support, Spousal Relationship Quality and Illness Perception on Treatment Adherence among Cancer Patients

Abstract

Treatment adherence is a very important factor in cancer outcomes, yet

psychosocial factors that influence adherence remain underexplored in the India context. This

study examines the role of Social Support (from family and friends), spousal relationship

quality, and illness perception on treatment adherence among 41 adult cancer patients

undergoing the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ), Relationship Assessment Scale

(RAS), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSS-F&PSS – Fr), and Chemotherapy Adherence

Assessment Scale (CAAS). Correlation and multiple regression were conducted. Results

revealed that spousal relationship quality was the only significant correlate and independent

predictor of treatment adherence. These findings tell the importance of spousal relationship

quality in treatment adherence within India and tell the importance of the couple-centred

psychosocial intervention.