Hope in people with cancer: a multivariate analysis from Turkey

Aim The study was planned to determine the hope levels of people with cancer and the variables affecting hope. Background Hope is essential for patient well-being and positively correlated with improved coping skill. Design A descriptive and exploratory design. Methods The study sample included 240 consecutive patients treated with chemotherapy and attending the Day Chemotherapy Unit of a University Hospital in Turkey. The study was conducted between December 2009January 2010. Personal Information Form and Herth Hope Scale were used for data collection. The determinants and subscales of hope were evaluated with univariate and multivariate regression analyses. Results These mean scores showed high levels of hope among the patients included in the study. It was found that net family income, knowledge level about the disease, feeling of improvement, perception of satisfactory family support by the patient, mouth ulcers, feeling anxious or worried and presence of fear were independently related with the total hope score. Conclusions The study results showed high levels of hope among the participating patients. It is concluded that physical, financial and psychological well-being and information and support needs are directly and independently related with hope in people with cancer. These findings support the need for clinicians to continue to practise and implement hope fostering/hindering interventions among their patients.