EVALUATING PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT AND TREATMENT ADHERENCE AMONG RURAL BREAST CANCER PATIENTS ATTENDING PUNJABI TERTIARY HOSPITALS

Background: Breast cancer treatment adherence is critical for improving survival outcomes, yet rural patients often face significant barriers. Psychosocial support has been shown to influence adherence in chronic diseases, but its role among rural breast cancer patients in Pakistan remains underexplored. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between psychosocial support and treatment adherence among rural breast cancer patients receiving care at two tertiary hospitals in Punjab, Pakistan, and to identify key psychosocial factors influencing adherence. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted over eight months at Nishtar Medical University Hospital, Multan, and Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. A total of 200 female breast cancer patients from rural areas were recruited using consecutive sampling. Psychosocial support was assessed using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and treatment adherence was measured via the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Sociodemographic data were collected through structured interviews. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted using SPSS v26. Results: The mean total MSPSS score was 5.1 (±1.0), with family support rated highest. High adherence (MMAS-8 score ≥6) was observed in 63% of participants. A significant positive correlation was found between total MSPSS and MMAS-8 scores (r = 0.47, p < 0.001). Family support demonstrated the strongest association with adherence (r = 0.42, p < 0.001), followed by support from significant others and friends. Higher education and closer proximity to hospitals also correlated with better adherence. Conclusion: Psychosocial support, especially from family, plays a crucial role in promoting treatment adherence among rural breast cancer patients. Integrating psychosocial interventions into rural oncology care could enhance treatment continuity and outcomes.