The mediating role of partner support in the relationship between reproductive health concerns and psychological distress among cancer survivors

Title
The mediating role of partner support in the relationship between reproductive health concerns and psychological distress among cancer survivors
Publication Date
2026-05-25
Author(s)
Mohamed Amin, Shaimaa
Farghaly Abdelaliem, Sally Mohammed
Alabdullah, Amany Anwar Saeed
Alasqah, Ibrahim
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0316-1374
Email: ialasqa2@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:ialasqa2
Elfeshawy, Nagwa Ibrahim
Ibrahim Ali, Heba Saied
Abdelwahab Khedr, Mahmoud
El-kholy, Eman Ahmed
Ramadan Atta, Mohamed Hussein
El-Monshed, Ahmed Hashem
El-Ashry, Ayman Mohamed
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Nature Publishing Group
Place of publication
United Kingdom
DOI
10.1038/s41598-026-53124-z
UNE publication id
une:1959.11/74985
Abstract

Cancer survivorship often includes reproductive health concerns (e.g., fertility potential and treatment‐related health problems) that elevate psychological distress. Partner support is a key, modifiable resource linked to better adjustment, yet its pathway of influence is not fully understood. To test whether partner support mediates and/or moderates the association between reproductive health concerns and psychological distress among female cancer survivors. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 202 married female cancer survivors (ages 20–49) attending the oncology departments of Tanta University Hospital, Egypt. Validated measures included the Reproductive Concerns after Cancer Scale, Partner Support Scale, and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Higher reproductive concerns related to greater distress (r = 0.517, p < 0.01). Partner support correlated negatively with reproductive concerns (r =  − 0.446, p < 0.01) and distress (r =  − 0.471, p < 0.01). Adding partner support improved prediction of distress (Model 2, R2 = 0.345); partner support was a significant negative predictor (B =  − 0.364, p < 0.001). Mediation was supported: Reproductive Concerns after Cancer Scale → distress total effect B = 0.4212 (p < 0.001); direct effect B = 0.3124 (p < 0.001); indirect effect via partner support B = 0.1088, 95% CI [0.0617, 0.1613]. Moderation was not supported (interaction B≈0.000, p = 0.998). Conclusions: Reproductive concerns are associated with elevated psychological distress. Partner support partially mediates yet does not moderate this relationship, indicating a protective, indirect effect on distress. Implications for Practice: Integrate structured partner‐involved education and counselling into survivorship care to reduce distress linked to reproductive concerns (confirmed need). Screen routinely for reproductive concerns and perceived partner support and refer dyads to targeted psychosocial interventions. Training for nurses should prioritize communication about fertility/health concerns and techniques to engage partners effectively.

Link
Citation
Scientific Reports, v.16, p. 1-13
ISSN
2045-2322
Start page
1
End page
13
Rights
Attribution 4.0 International

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