Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between perceived social support and quality of life in cervical cancer patients, and to explore the mediating role of self-compassion between the two, so as to provide a reference basis for improving the quality of life of patients with cervical cancer. METHODS: Convenience sampling method was used to select cervical cancer patients who attended a tertiary hospital in Sichuan Province from May to October 2024 as study subjects. The Perceived Social Support Scale, Self-Compassion Scale, and Cervical Cancer Quality of Life Measurement Scale were used for data collection. AMOS 26.0 software was used to construct structural equation modeling to analyze the relationship between variables. RESULTS: The total scores for perceived social support, self-compassion, and quality of life in cervical cancer patients were 42.22±3.65, 98.38±10.95, and 147.73±11.17, respectively. Perceived social support was positively correlated with quality of life (P<0.01), and self-compassion was also positively correlated with quality of life (P<0.01). Self-compassion partially mediated the relationship between perceived social support and quality of life, accounting for 41.76% of the total effect. CONCLUSION: Cervical cancer patients have a moderate level of perceived social support and self-compassion, and a relatively high level of quality of life. Perceived social support can directly enhance or indirectly affect the quality of life of cervical cancer patients through self-compassion. Healthcare professionals can improve patients' levels of self-compassion and quality of life by providing comprehensive social support.