Hope and Related Variables in Italian Cancer Patients

Abstract

Hope, long considered an essential element for life, has been shown to be important among cancer patients in coping, perceived control over the illness, and psychologic adjustment to the illness. The purpose of this study was (a) to describe the level of hope in Italian cancer patients; (b) to compare the levels of hope during and after hospitalization; (c) to determine whether hope was correlated with quality of life and several symptoms; and (d) to determine whether the variables from the international literature also pertain to Italian cancer patients. A descriptive correlational design using repeated measures was chosen to study 80 Italian cancer patients during hospitalization and then at home. The following instruments were used: a Sociodemographic Questionnaire, the Hope Related Variable Questionnaire, the Nowotny Hope Scale, the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Overall, patients were moderately hopeful and the level of hopefulness was similar in the hospital and at home. Hope was positively correlated with quality of life, self-esteem, coping, adjustment to the illness, well-being, comfort in the hospital, satisfaction with information received, relationship with, and support from family, healthcare professional, and friends. Hope was negatively correlated with anxiety, depression, and boredom during hospitalization. Time since diagnosis, illness stage, and knowing or not knowing the diagnosis and treatment were not correlated with hope. Similarities and differences with the international literature are discussed, and implications for caring for Italian cancer patients are drawn.

Social Support and Hopelessness in Patients with Breast Cancer

“…In line with the findings of this study, Fadıoğlu et al (2006), in their study conducted with breast cancer patients, and Vellone et al (2006) and Aslan et al (2007), in their study conducted with cancer patients, found no significant relationship between hope and the duration of the illness. However, due to its long treatment process and considerable side effects, breast cancer is an illness which requires a lot of energy.…”

A Study of Uro-oncology Patient Perceptions of Social Support and Hope Levels

“…There are some studies showing that as patient social support levels increase, so do their hope levels. [32][33][34] Unlike these studies, Fadiloğlu et al (2006) conducted a study of the relationship between hopelessness levels of women with breast cancer and their coping behaviors and determined that social support had no effect on levels of hopelessness. [35] The present study found a very slight correlation between multidimensional perceived social support scores and hope scores, although both are above moderate level.…”

The Evaluation of Hopelessness and Perceived Social Support Level in Patients With Lung Cancer

“…A number of studies about the hope levels of patients with various cancer types indicate that the patients have high hope levels (Vellone et al, 2006;Felder, 2004;Abdullah-zadeh, Agahosseini, AsvadiKermani & Rahmani, 2011). Results of the present study are thus parallel to the literature.…”