Social networks and quality of life among female breast cancer patients at Tikur Anbessa Specialzed Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2019

Abstract Background Breast cancer is a major life-threatening public health problem in the world. It is the most common form of cancer among women in many developing countries including Ethiopia. Social networks could change the course of cancer and can influence the quality of life among breast cancer patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess social networks and quality of life among female breast cancer patients attending in Tikur Anbassa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2019. Methods An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from March to April 2019. A total of 214 female breast cancer patients were included and systematic sampling method was used. A structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used. Data entry was done using epi data-manager version 4.2. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25. Binary and multiple logistic regression was used to show the association of social networks and quality of life. The strength of association was declared P-value <0.05 and 95%CI was used. Result A total of 214 women with breast cancer were recruited. The mean age was 41.85. Among total participants, 13(6%), 65(30%) and 136(64%) had limited, medium and diverse social networks respectively. Whereas, 198(92.52%) of them had affected quality of life. Participants who were illiterate were more likely to have affected quality of life by 3 times than who were more educated (AOR=3, 95%CI: 1.3,6.9, COR=4.8) and who had systematic therapy side effects were more likely to have affected QoL by 3.8 times than who had no systemic therapy side effect (AOR=3.8, 95%CI: 1.1,13, COR=4). Conclusion and recommendation In this study finding quality of life in breast cancer was low. Healthcare providers especially working at oncology department need to focus on addressing side effects of therapy and social networks which may help to improve quality of life of women with breast cancer.