Social constraints and psychological well-being after prostate cancer: a follow-up at 12 and 24 months after surgery.

Abstract

Objective

Studies indicate that social constraints (barriers to emotional expression) may be a risk factor for psychological morbidity. We aimed to investigate the association between prostate cancer- related social constraints and psychological well-being following prostate cancer surgery.

Methods

In a group of 3478 partnered patients, participating in the Laparoscopic Prostatectomy Robot Open (LAPPRO) trial, a prospective multicenter comparative study of robot-assisted laparoscopic and retropubic radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer, we used log-binomial regression analysis to investigate the links between prostate cancer-related social constraints at 3 months after surgery and psychological well-being at 12 and 24 months.

Results

1086 and 1093 men reported low well-being at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Prostate cancer-related social constraints by partner predicted low psychological well-being at 12 months (adjusted RR: 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.9) and by others (adjusted RR: 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.5). Intrusive thoughts mediated the association.

Conclusions

Negative responses from the social environment, especially from partner to talking about the prostate cancer experience affected patients' psychological well-being two years after radical prostatectomy. Results emphasize the importance of helping patients mobilize psychosocial resources within their social network, especially among those with a lack of quality psychosocial support.

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