Head and neck cancer online support and quality of life

Algtewi, Eamar, Owens, Janine and Baker, Sarah 2014. Head and neck cancer online support and quality of life. Presented at: IADR/PER Congress, Dubrovnik, Croatia, 10-13 September 2014.

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Abstract

Objective: Head and neck (H&N) cancer is commonly cited as the most emotionally traumatic of all tumours with severe impact on quality of life (QoL). Using online support groups (OSGs) has been found to be associated with a range of positive psychosocial outcomes in relation to several health conditions. The aims of this study were two-fold; first, to explore the relationship between using OSGs for H&N cancer and QoL and second, to examine what psychosocial factors may influence this relationship. Method: An online questionnaire was completed by 199 patients with H&N cancer using four OSGs (Macmillan Head and Neck Cancer Group, The Oral Cancer Foundation, Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer, and Throat and Oral Cancer Survivors) between February 2013 and July 2013. The questionnaire consisted of six pre-validated measures for social network, self-efficacy, anxiety and depression, adjustment, empowerment and quality of life in addition to socio-demographics as well as illness-related and OSGs-related information. Result: A series of multiple linear regression analyses indicated that longer use of OSGs was related to better QoL, and lower levels of depression and anxiety, lower endorsement of negative adjustment behaviour, greater self-efficacy and higher levels of empowerment. Additional analysis of mediation effects suggested that depression and adjustment were direct mediators of the relationship between OSGs and QoL, whilst anxiety, self-efficacy and empowerment were indirect mediators. Conclusion: These results tentatively suggest that OSGs may benefit head and neck cancer patients by providing support and information related to their condition, enhance empowerment processes and patient’s beliefs in their control over their head and neck cancer, as well as reduce anxiety, depression, and negative adjustment behaviours and subsequently improve quality of life.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item - unpublished
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Dentistry
Last Modified:	28 Aug 2026 09:15
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/189185

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