2021 Volume 41 Pages 604-613
Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effects of the relationship between rumination patterns and social support on menopausal symptoms in breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant hormonal therapy.
Methods: The cross-sectional study included 160 patients aged 20 and above with breast cancer receiving adjuvant hormonal therapy, who visited one of the two hospitals identified for the study. Patients were divided into two groups based on their age: 54 years old or less and 55 years old or more. Rumination patterns (Expanded Response Styles Questionnaire), social support (Social Support Scale by Fukuoka, 2000), menopausal symptoms (simplified menopause index: SMI), and basic attributes were assessed using written questionnaires.
Results: The study reply rate was 82.5%, and the valid response rate was 78.8%. Mean differences of SMI scores were found between the age groups. Weak or moderate correlations were found between negative rumination and SMI in each age group using multiple group analysis. The results indicated that negative rumination decreased the perception of social support in the younger group. On the other hand, facing the fact of rumination was correlated with more social support in the older group.
Conclusion: Patients should be provided appropriate support based on age and rumination patterns and encouraged to receive social support. Confirmation of the availability of support for each patient is necessary.
