The Relationship Between Psychological Support and the Psychological Wellbeing of Cancer Patients in Meru County, Kenya

Psychological wellbeing is a critical component of overall health, yet it is often compromised in individuals facing life-threatening illnesses such as cancer. Patients diagnosed with cancer frequently experience significant emotional distress, making psychosocial support an essential part of holistic care. This study examined the relationship between psychological support and the psychological wellbeing of cancer patients in Meru County, Kenya, a region with a rising cancer burden and limited localized research. The study was grounded in the Biopsychosocial Model, which posits that health outcomes are influenced by an interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. A mixed-methods correlational research design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 169 cancer patients using structured questionnaires, including a custom psychological support scale and Ryff's Psychological Wellbeing Scale. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 17 professional caregivers to provide deeper context. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank-order correlation. The findings indicated a significant service gap, with 53.3% of patients reporting low levels of psychological support and only 42.0% having regular access to counseling. Despite these limitations, a statistically significant, moderate positive correlation was found between psychological support and psychological wellbeing (Ï = .439, p < .001). This study concludes that psychological support is a meaningful determinant of psychological wellbeing for cancer patients in Meru County. The findings underscore the urgent need to integrate structured and accessible psychological services into standard oncology care to improve patient quality of life and health outcomes.