Social support and quality of life in oncology patients with post-traumatic stress disorder: a cross-sectional study

Background The potential mediating role of social support in the connection between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and quality of life among patients with cancer has not been explored in the currently available literature. Aims This study aimed to explore the mediating role of social support in the relationship between PTSD and quality of life among oncology patients. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 343 cancer patients across three tertiary hospitals in Oman. Data were collected using validated, self-administered questionnaires. Mediation analysis was performed using the Sobel test. Findings The average patient age was 47.3 years (SD 13.5) and 247 (72%) were female. Patients with PTSD had a lower perceived social support (mean 66.0; SD 10.8) and a poorer quality of life than those without PTSD. Social support played a mediating role in the relationship between PTSD and ?