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 on females 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 a systematic sampling method was used. A structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used. Data entry was done using epi data 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 female with breast cancer were recruited with a mean age of 41.85. From participants, 13(6%), 65(30%) and 136(64%) had limited, medium and diverse social networks respectively. However, 198(92.52%) of them had affected the quality of life. It was found that participants who had children (AOR=5, 95%CL:1.3,21 COR=6), and other relatives(AOR=6, 95%CI: 1.2,30, COR=7), were more likely to have good social networks. In addition, it was found that participants who had systematic therapy side effects(AOR=3.8, 95%CI: 1.1,13, COR=4, p value=0.035), problem of appetite loss(AOR=3.5, 95%CI: 1.02,12 COR=4, p-value= 0.047) were more likely to have affected Quality of life. Conclusion: In this study finding, the quality of life and social networks on breast cancer females was relatively low. Healthcare providers especially working at the oncology department need to focus on addressing the side effects of therapy and social networks which may help to improve the quality of life of females with breast cancer.