The Interplay Between Social Support, Emotional Distress, and Psychosocial Quality of Life Among Cancer Survivors: Advancing Progress Toward SDG 3

Objective: Cancer survivors face unique psychosocial stressors which impact their health and well-being. This study explores the prevalence and effects of perceived social support and emotional distress on survivors' psychosocial quality of life (QoL) in achieving sustainable development goal (SDG) 3: good health and well-being. Theoretical Framework: This study employs the social support theory which emphasizes the importance of social support systems in improving psychological well-being and coping with stress. The study further uses the stress and coping theory which focuses on how individuals cope with stress. Method: This study recruited 120 cancer patients receiving treatment at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital and Kamuzu Central Hospital. Perceived social support and emotional distress were measured using the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS) and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21). Data analysis was performed using IBM® SPSS® Statistics version 22. Results and Discussion: Survivors reported higher emotional support but lower informational support, with moderate levels of instrumental support, anxiety, depression, and QoL. Social support was positively linked to QoL, while emotional distress negatively impacted it. Additionally, anxiety and depression partially mediated the relationship between social support and QoL. Research Implications: This study emphasizes the importance of social support in improving cancer survivors' quality of life and reducing emotional distress. It suggests that healthcare providers should focus on both emotional and instrumental support to better address survivors' mental health needs. Originality/Value: The study highlights the greater importance of social support, and by focusing on cancer survivors in Malawi, the research contributes important regional data to the global understanding of cancer survivorship.