Associated factors of hope in cancer patients during treatment: A systematic literature review

The Effect of Perceived Social Support and Spiritual Care Needs in Predicting Hope in Oncology Patients

BACKGROUND

Hope has an influential role in oncology patients and is related to perceived social support and spirituality. However, studies on the extent to which the concepts of perceived social support and spiritual care needs affect hope are still limited.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of perceived social support and spiritual care needs in predicting hope in adult oncology patients.

METHODS

Study questionnaires, a demographic form, the Herth Hope Scale, the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale, and the Spiritual Care Needs Scale were administered to participants. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 134 oncology patients completed the study questionnaires. Significant correlations were found between hope and perceived social support and between hope and spiritual care needs (P < .05). Perceived support explained 11.7% of the variance in hope scores. A 1-unit increase in the support score was associated with a 0.344-unit increase in the hope score. Spiritual care needs did not significantly predict hope.

CONCLUSION

In line with the results, interventions that promote social support may increase hope in oncology patients.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Nurses could incorporate interventions into their care to improve social support as one way to enhance hope levels among oncology patients. Further studies are required to understand more about the impact of spiritual care needs on hope.

Effect of Spirituality on Psychological Resilience and Hope in Patient-Family Caregiver Dyads Experiencing Gynecological Cancer: An Actor-Partner Interdependence Analysis

BACKGROUND

Women experiencing gynecological cancer (GCPs) and family caregivers (FCGs) use spirituality to cope with cancer. However, the dual relationship between the impact of spirituality on psychological resilience and hope among both GCPs and FCGs has not yet been explored.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the interdependent relationship between spirituality, psychological resilience, and hope of women with gynecological cancer and their FCGs at the dyadic level.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 107 dyads were recruited from the gynecological oncology departments of 2 university hospitals in Ankara, Turkey. The GCPs and FCGs completed a Patient/Family Caregiver Information Form, Spiritual Well-being Scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and Dispositional Hope Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlations. This study used the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model.

RESULTS

Spirituality of both GCPs and FCGs had a significant positive effect on their psychological resilience ( B = 0.918, P < .001; B = 0.435, P < .001, respectively) and hope ( B = 0.350, P < .001; B = 0.246, P < .001, respectively). However, the spirituality of GCPs and FCGs did not have a partner effect on psychological resilience ( B = -0.150, P < .052; B = -0.150, P = .052, respectively) and hope ( B = -0.012, P = .810; B = 0.073, P = .157, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Spirituality of GCPs and their FCGs positively affected their psychological resilience and hope, but the effect on each other was limited.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Health professionals, especially nurses, should focus on tailoring spiritual care interventions to the unique needs of each individual within the GCP and FCG dyads. Personalized approaches that recognize and address the specific spiritual concerns of patients and caregivers may be more effective in promoting psychological resilience and hope.

A picture of hope: From the perspective of adolescents with cancer-A phenomenological-visual qualitative study

This study aims to investigate the phenomenon of hope in adolescents diagnosed with cancer and examine adolescents' lived experiences of hope. The study was conducted between November 2022 and March 2023. The study used a phenomenological-visual qualitative research design with 20 adolescents in the pediatric oncology ward. The purposive sampling method was used in the study. Data were collected using "Descriptive Characteristic Form," "Semi-structured Interview Form," "Drawing Technique," and "Mutual Storytelling Technique". The adolescents were instructed, "Let us draw our hopes," and asked to draw pictures. Each adolescent was interviewed about the drawings and asked four semi-structured questions. Audio recordings of the interviews were made and transcribed. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used in the analysis of the data. Two main themes and four subthemes were identified in the study. Metaphorical and conceptual context was included in the theme of symbolizing and linking hope. Two subthemes, facilitators and barriers, were identified in the main theme of rooting hope. The study sheds light on hope experiences in adolescents receiving cancer treatment and guides healthcare professionals.

The Meaning of Hope for Polish Male Patients Dying from Cancer Depending on Their Age: An Interdisciplinary Study with the Use of Osgood's Semantic Differential Method

Background/Objectives: The subject of this article is the reflection on hope-one of the most important predictors and motivators of human actions. Hope is our response to a threat, and it is also the emotion that allows us to overcome hopelessness and to reduce suffering. Hoping is a human capacity with varying cognitive, emotional, and functional dimensions. Psychological, pedagogical (particularly in the framework of special-needs pedagogy and thanatological pedagogy), and theological reflection on hope can be helpful for dying people. The objective of this study was to characterize hope in the semantic space of individuals in the terminal stage of cancer and to verify whether age is a variable that determines this hope. Methods: To complete the study, the Osgood semantic differential method was applied, as modified by Polish psychologist Dr. Boguslaw Block (the DSN-3 test). The research technique consisted of a therapeutic conversation. Results: Research results show that, in general, those in the terminal stage have positive associations with hope. In all three aspects of the used test, namely the cognitive, emotional, and functional aspects, the highest scores assigned to the perception of hope were obtained from men up to 35 years of age. Depending on the ages of patients, one could observe certain semantic shifts, but they did not prove to be statistically significant. Conclusions: Polish males surveyed at the end of life due to cancer generally perceived hope as a supportive force. Therefore, hope can provide emotional support to patients in the terminal stage of cancer and improve their quality of life.

Resilience and its related factors among women with breast cancer

OBJECTIVES

Breast cancer is the most challenging disease, and the level of resilience in patients determines their ability to cope with the arising stress. There is relatively limited information on the resilience of patients in clinical settings. Our study aims were to evaluate the extent of resilience and identify factors that predict resilience in women with breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of 218 women with breast cancer who were referred to the Oncology clinic in 2022. The participants completed three scales, namely the Conner-Davidson Resilience, Schneider's Life Expectancy, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, along with sociodemographic information. Descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multiple linear regression were used to explore the predictors of resilience.

RESULT

The mean (SD) scores for resilience, social support, and hope were 59.22 (17.25), 38.53 (6.19), and 59.37 (16.68), respectively. Based on analysis 50.8% of the variations in resilience could be explained by 6 variables including social support, hope, women's age, employment, and income status as well as the stage of illness (R 2adj = 0.508, P < 0.001). Employment status and disease stage did not show a significant relationship with resilience and social support was the factor with the highest impact on resilience (β = 0.516, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed social support, hope, age, and income level predict significant resilience in women with breast cancer. The findings emphasize the importance of fostering strong support networks, cultivating a hopeful mindset, embracing life's transitions, and addressing financial considerations in the pursuit of enhanced resilience.

Facing life-threat during youth: a qualitative study on challenges, coping, and needs among adolescents and young adults with cancer

PURPOSE

While the unique situation of adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYAs) has become the focus of research and clinical practice, little is known about how they deal with the threat to life at a curative stage. The aim of this study was to obtain insight into the challenges, coping strategies, and needs of AYAs regarding the life-threatening nature of their diseases.

METHODS

Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with patients who were 18-39 years old at diagnosis. The interviews took place 2-5 years after their diagnosis. Patients who were still undergoing treatment or who were suspected of recurrence were excluded. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients (mean age 27.33 years, nine females) were interviewed in a large comprehensive cancer center in Germany. Before diagnosis, AYAs had not faced their own mortality and had little experience with cancer. The sudden confrontation with a life-threatening disease and therapy, as well as experiencing the death of other AYAs, challenged them. Fear, particularly regarding recurrence and death, and the loss of trust in their own bodies were the major emotions that continued to limit them even after the end of treatment. For mothers, concern of leaving their young children alone was paramount. Coping strategies frequently mentioned were hope, avoidance, self-soothing, and valuing the experience as a chance. Health care professionals were expected to be reassuring, motivating, and open and to provide honest information based on individual and current needs.

CONCLUSION

AYAs appear to cope with life-threats similarly to older patients but have additional unique challenges, including inexperience with life-threatening diseases and responsibility for young children. More research is needed in this area, although it is already evident that AYAs need honest and reassuring communication regarding the life-threat during any curable phases of their disease. Trial registration number DRKS00030277; September 27, 2022 (German Clinical Trials Register).

The biology of hope: Inflammatory and neuroendocrine profiles in ovarian cancer patients

INTRODUCTION

Although the concept of hope is highly relevant for cancer patients, little is known about its association with cancer-relevant biomarkers. Here we examined how hope was related to diurnal cortisol and interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine previously associated with tumor biology and survival in ovarian cancer. Secondly, we examined whether hope and hopelessness are distinctly associated with these biomarkers.

METHOD

Participants were 292 high-grade ovarian cancer patients who completed surveys and provided saliva samples 4x/daily for 3 days pre-surgery to assess diurnal cortisol. Blood (pre-surgery) and ascites were assessed for IL-6. Hope and hopelessness were assessed using standardized survey items from established scales (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale; Profile of Mood States, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy). Two hopeless items were z-scored and combined into a composite for analysis. Regression models related these variables to nocturnal cortisol, cortisol slope, plasma and ascites IL-6, adjusting for cancer stage, BMI, age, and depression.

RESULTS

Greater hope was significantly related to a steeper cortisol slope, β = -0.193, p = 0.046, and lower night cortisol, β = -0.227, p = 0.018, plasma IL-6, β = -0.142, p = 0.033, and ascites IL-6, β = -0.290, p = 0.002. Secondary analyses including both hope and hopelessness showed similar patterns, with distinct relationships of hope with significantly lower nocturnal cortisol β = -0.233,p = 0.017 and ascites IL-6, β = -0.282,p = 0.003, and between hopelessness and a flatter cortisol slope, β = 0.211, p = 0.031.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest a biological signature of hope associated with less inflammation and more normalized diurnal cortisol in ovarian cancer. These findings have potential clinical utility but need replication with more diverse samples and validated assessments of hope.

Experience of patients considering or using checkpoint inhibitors in cancer treatment: a systematic review of qualitative research

Increasing numbers of patients with cancer are considering or undergoing immunotherapy, however, little is known about patients' perspectives on this treatment. We undertook a systematic review for use by clinicians and researchers, consolidating published qualitative research studies on patient experience of checkpoint inhibitor therapy. A search of Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO was carried out for publications in English to 30 June 2022. Publications were selected if they reported a qualitative study of patient experience with checkpoint inhibitor therapy for cancer, either by patients or their families or carers. Quality was appraised using the Johanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tool for qualitative studies. A thematic synthesis was conducted. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses standard was followed. We identified 17 eligible studies published between 2017 and 2022, 9 using mixed methods, and 8 solely using qualitative methods. Most studies reported on the experiences of patients with advanced stage melanoma and were using the earliest approved checkpoint inhibitors for cancer therapy. Studies met most formal quality criteria but varied in the extent of their qualitative explorations of data; some mixed methods studies had limited reporting of qualitative results. Through thematic synthesis, we categorized study findings into four domains: (1) treatment decision-making; (2) success with immunotherapy; (3) treatment-related adverse events (AEs); and (4) quality of life on immunotherapy. Our review identified several areas with potential for improving the care system. These include, for example: routinely linking patients to peers who have experienced this therapy; improving the capacity of patients and carers to identify and report AEs faster; and supporting patients and carers to live with changed circumstances after successful treatment. Most studies focused on patients who had successful treatment, effectively excluding those who do not respond or who discontinue due to serious side effects; future research targets are suggested.

Hope and illness expectations: A cross-sectional study in patients with advanced cancer

BACKGROUND

The fear of taking away hope hinders clinicians' willingness to share serious news with patients with advanced disease. Unrealistic illness expectations, on the other hand, can complicate decision making and end-of-life care outcomes. Exploration of the association between hope and illness expectations can support clinicians in better communication with their patients.

AIM

The aim of this study was to explore whether realistic illness expectations are associated with reduced hope in people with advanced cancer.

DESIGN

This is a cross-sectional secondary analysis of baseline data from a primary palliative care cluster-randomized trial CONNECT (data collected from July 2016 to October 2020). Hope was measured by Herth Hope Index. Illness expectations were measured by assessing patients' understanding of their treatment goals, life expectancy, and terminal illness acknowledgement. Multivariable regression was performed, adjusting for demographical and clinical confounders.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

Adult patients with advanced solid cancers recruited across 17 oncology clinics.

RESULTS

Data from 672 patients were included in the study, with mean age of 69.3 years (±10.2), 53.6% were female. Proportion of patients indicating realistic expectations varied based on which question was asked from 10% to 46%. Median level of hope was 39 (IQR = 36-43). Multivariate non-inferiority regression did not find any significant differences in hope between patients with more and less realistic illness expectations.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that hope can be sustained while holding both realistic and unrealistic illness expectations. Communication about serious news should focus on clarifying the expectations as well as supporting people's hopes.

Barriers and facilitators that hospital clinicians perceive to discuss the personal values, wishes, and needs of patients in palliative care: a mixed-methods systematic review

Background

The exploration and monitoring of the personal values, wishes, and needs (VWN) of patients in the palliative phase by hospital clinicians is essential for guiding appropriate palliative care.

Objective

To explore the barriers and facilitators concerning communication with patients in the palliative phase about their VWN as perceived by hospital clinicians.

Design

A mixed-methods systematic review following the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for mixed-method systematic reviews and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021216693).

Data sources and methods

Eight databases, including PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL, were searched without time restrictions. The search string was built using the search Palliative cAre Literature rEview iTeraTive mEthod (PALETTE) framework. Eligible studies focused on (1) hospital clinicians and (2) perceived barriers and facilitators regarding the exploration and monitoring of the VWN of adult patients in the palliative phase. Two researchers independently selected articles and evaluated the quality. Findings were synthesized using a convergent integrated approach.

Results

In total, 29 studies were included: 14 quantitative, 13 qualitative, and 2 mixed methods. Five synthesized findings were identified: (1) the clinician's professional manners, (2) the image formed of the patient and loved ones, (3) the human aspect of being a clinician, (4) the multidisciplinary collaboration, and (5) the contextual preconditions. Most studies seemed focused on communication about treatment decision making.

Conclusion

A patient-centered approach seems lacking when clinicians discuss the patient's VWN, since most studies focused on treatment decision making rather than on the exploration and monitoring of the multidimensional well-being of patients. This review emphasizes the need for the development and integration of a systematic approach to explore and monitor the patients' VWN to improve appropriate palliative care in hospitals.

Factors affecting quality of life in women with breast cancer: a path analysis

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer may negatively affect people's quality of life. We investigated the predictors of quality of life in women with breast cancer with the mediating role of resilience.

METHOD

In a cross-sectional design, 218 patients completed a survey referring to the Valiasr International Hospital Oncology Center in Tabriz, Iran. Four validated self-report measures assessed HRQoL as measured by the SF-12, Resilience, Hope, and Perceived Social Support (MSPs). The mediating roles of resilience between HRQoL and the fitness of the proposed model were investigated using path analysis. SPSS version 24 software and Lisrel 8.8 software were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The results of path analysis showed that the final model had a good fit to the data (Chi-Square/ degrees of freedom (Normed Chi2) = 2.08, RMSEA = 0.014, goodness fit index = 0.99, both comparative fit index = 0.99 both CFI = 0.99 and IFI = 1). In this model, age and psychosocial factors predicted health-related quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Age and psychosocial factors especially social support are important components in predicting health-related quality of life among those suffering from breast cancer.

Patients' perception of hope in palliative care: A systematic review and narrative synthesis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to systematically review and synthesize the literature on patients' perceptions of hope in palliative care.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, SocINDEX, Cochrane, and Web of Science were screened against the eligibility criteria. After familiarization with the data and conduction of the coding process, studies were thematically analyzed using Braun and Clarke's methodology. The research question guiding our analysis was: what is said about hope from patients in PC?

RESULTS

The database searches yielded 24 eligible studies. Three main themes emerged from the studies: Hope beliefs (encompassing patients' understanding of hope and characteristics assigned to it), Hope functions (including the role that hope plays for patients) and Hope work (highlighting aspects that in patients' perspective cultivate hope).

CONCLUSION

This review emphasizes the importance of acknowledging patients' understanding of hope, its role, and the efforts required to sustain it. In particular, it suggests that hope serves as a valuable strategy, fostering meaningful personal relationships towards end of life.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

In order to address communication challenges in clinical practice, a potential fruitful strategy for nurturing hope could involve engaging family and friends in hope interventions facilitated by healthcare professionals.

Hope and its associated factors in cancer patients undergoing drug therapy: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This study seeks to clarify the hope of cancer patients undergoing drug therapy and related factors through a systematic review.

METHODS

References were searched and selected in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Thirteen articles were selected. A meta-analysis found that the overall Herth Hope Index score for cancer patients undergoing drug therapy averaged 35.64 points. The hope of cancer patients was associated with anxiety/depression and quality of life (QOL). It was also associated with personal attributes such as age, family structure, economic situation, educational level, social support, internal factors such as coping, self-esteem, optimism, self-confidence, locus of control, etc., as well as disease/treatment-related factors such as the purpose of treatment, general condition, presence or absence of metastasis, symptoms, survival period, and estimated life expectancy.

CONCLUSION

Anxiety/depression, QOL, and other factors were found to be related to cancer patients' hope. In the future, studies that clarify the overall structure of various factors related to hope and longitudinal studies will be necessary.

"If only I had", patients' experiences during early oncology trials

PURPOSE

Until today, it is not clear why patients decide to continue with early clinical trial (ECT) participation. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore to which extent the self-determination theory of Ryan and Deci, according to the ECT enrollment phase, corresponds to the motivations of participants during ECT's.

METHODS

This study has a qualitative design. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and were deductively analyzed in Nvivo12 using the thematic analysis approach of Braun and Clarke.

RESULTS

As a result of the deductive analysis performed, six themes and twenty subthemes emerged which matched the three personal needs: competence, relatedness, and autonomy (n = 11). "Competence" included the following themes: mixed future expectations, treatment expectations, and control of the outcome. "Relatedness" included the theme altruistic motivation. "Autonomy" included the themes; to live and act in harmony as well as mental and physical burden.

CONCLUSION

Participants felt they tried everything and that they were treated to the limit. This not only gives the motivation to continue participating but also a sense of altruism. Despite different burdens, side-effects, and the feeling of being a test subject, the participants will not easily choose to stop participation in order to prevent saying afterwards: "If only I had".

Hope and physical health

This article provides a brief overview of the recent research focusing on hope and physical health. The reviewed research is limited to research primarily on hope as conceptualized by Snyder and colleagues [33] and to those studies in which the researchers measured hope using scales based on Hope Theory proposed by Snyder and colleagues. Studies on hope and health behaviors, as well as specific health outcomes such as pain, cancer, and chronic illness are included. Overall findings indicate that hope is plays an important role in health.

Hope and cancer

Two models of hope have predominated in the literature pertaining to cancer-Snyder's "Hope Theory" and Herth's hope model-both of which have produced brief self-report measures. Growing evidence demonstrates that hope, as operationalized in these models, is associated with a number of psychological variables in individuals with cancer, including depression, distress, coping, symptom burden, and posttraumatic growth. Emerging evidence also suggests that hope may predict probability of survival in advanced cancer. Surveys show that patients and families generally prefer healthcare communication that authentically conveys prognosis; such communication is not associated with decreased hope, but may actually foster hope. Finally, several interventions have been developed to enhance hope in people with cancer, which generally demonstrate medium effects.

The impact of symptom distress on health-related quality of life in liver cancer patients receiving arterial chemoembolization: the mediating role of hope

Background

Trans-hepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a treatment option for liver cancer patients. It can prolong patients’ survival but can also cause symptom distress. Symptom distress (SDs) can directly impact quality of life (QOL) and may indirectly influence QOL by lessening hope. In this study, we wanted to explore the mediating effect of hope on the relationship between SDs and QOL among patients with liver cancer receiving TACE.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 20, 2017, to August 6, 2018, at a gastroenterology ward of a medical center. The participants were 92 liver cancer patients (69.6% male, mean age 67.8) who were admitted for TACE treatment. Information on SDs, hope, and QOL was collected by questionnaire on discharge day. Hayes’ PROCESS model was used to test the mediating effect of hope on the relationship between SDs and QOL.

Results

The mean score and standard deviation (SD) of SDs, hope, and QOL were 32.08 (SD = 6.22), 27.09 (SD = 3.51), and 55.16 (SD = 17.33), respectively. SDs negatively impacts quality of life. The total effect of SDs on QOL was − 1.41 (95% confidence interval [CI]: − 1.96, − 0.86). The indirect effect via the mediation of hope was − 0.95 (95% CI: − 1.7, − 0.45). Hope partially mediated the effect of SDs on QOL.

Conclusion

SDs after TACE is vital; it directly reduces a patient’s overall QOL and can indirectly hinder it by reducing the patient’s hope. In addition to symptom management, interventions that help patients maintain their hope are key to improving QOL among patients receiving TACE.

Exploring the psychological and religious perspectives of cancer patients and their future financial planning: a Q-methodological approach

BACKGROUND

Cancer patients are often hesitant to talk about their mental health, religious beliefs regarding the disease, and financial issues that drain them physically and psychologically. But there is a need to break this taboo to understand the perceptions and behaviours of the patients. Previous studies identified many psychological factors that are bothering cancer patients. However, it still requires exploring new elements affecting their mental and physical health and introducing new coping strategies to address patients' concerns.

METHODS

The current study aims to identify cancer patients' perceived attitudes towards the severity of illness, understand their fears, tend towards religion to overcome the disease, and future financial planning by using a Q-methodological approach. Data were collected in three steps from January-June 2020, and 51 cancer patients participated in the final stage of Q-sorting.

RESULTS

The findings of the study are based on the principal component factor analysis that highlighted three essential factors: (1) feelings, (2) religious beliefs about the acceptance of death, and (3) their future personal and financial planning. Further, the analysis shows that the patients differ in their beliefs, causes and support that they received as a coping mechanism.

CONCLUSION

This study explains cancer patients' psychological discomfort and physical pain but cannot relate it to co-morbidities. Q methodology allows the contextualization of their thoughts and future planning in different sets, like acceptance of death, combating religion's help, and sharing experiences through various platforms. This study will help health professionals derive new coping strategies for treating patients and financial managers to design insurance policies that help them to share their financial burdens.

Appraisals of cancer, religious/spiritual coping, and hope in patients with colorectal cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

To examine the extent to which religious/spiritual coping moderates the association between stress appraisals and hope among patients with colorectal cancer.

DESIGN/RESEARCH APPROACH

A longitudinal, prospective examination of hope, stress appraisals of cancer, and religious/spiritual coping through self-report questionnaires at baseline, 6-months, and 12-months post-surgery.

SAMPLE/PARTICIPANTS

One hundred thirty-nine newly diagnosed patients with colorectal cancer recruited from tertiary medical centers.

FINDINGS

Challenge and threat appraisals predicted hope. Only the relationship between hope and challenge appraisals was significantly moderated by coping through religion/spirituality, such that those who were both low on challenge and low in religious/spiritual coping reported the lowest hope.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Hope is predicted by how people appraise their cancer. Hope was lowest among participants who reported both low challenge appraisals and religious/spiritual coping.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL PROVIDERS

Understanding how patients appraise their cancer and use religion/spirituality to cope may help providers understand which patients are at risk for low hope.

A longitudinal study to explore unmet care needs, social support and hope of women with gynaecological cancer

The experience of a life-threatening illness, such as cancer, can have an array of health impacts and social and psychological well-being can be comprised. This study compared differences in unmet care needs, social support, and hope of Taiwanese women with either newly diagnosed (n = 72) or recurring (n = 39) gynaecological cancer at baseline (T0) and three follow-up surveys every two months (T1; T2; T3). Sociodemographic questions and three standardized self-administered questionnaires were used. The Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) method was used to analyse data. Women with recurrent cancer reported higher levels of care needs and lower levels of hope than those with a primary diagnosis. Significant positive correlations between social support and hope scores were observed for women with recurring cancer at T1 and T2. However, these women reported less hope at T3 compared to those with a primary diagnosis. Routine assessment of women's care needs related to their medical condition and provision of different kinds of support can aim to improve well-being and their hope for the future.

The Persian version of Herth Hope Index in Iranian patients with cancer: A psychometric study

OBJECTIVES

Hope is a contextual concept that has significant effects on human well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Herth Hope Index (P-HHI) among Iranian patients with cancer.

METHOD

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 320 patients with cancer from September to December 2020. After translating the HHI into Persian, content, convergent and discriminant, construct validity (exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis), and reliability of the P-HHI were assessed.

RESULTS

The results of exploratory factor analysis showed that the P-HHI was composed of two factors: Life Expectancy and Thinking Positive, which explained 55.20% of the total variance.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS

The research revealed that the P-HHI has acceptable validity and reliability, which can be used to measure the hope concept among Iranian patients with cancer.

Hope therapy in cancer patients: a systematic review

AIM

To identify the associated factors of hope therapy during treatment in cancer patients.

BACKGROUND

Hope is very important to cancer patients at all stages of the disease process. Several and different factors are associated with hope.

DESIGN

A systematic literature review of quantitative empirical studies on hope and quality of life in cancer patients.

DATA SOURCES

Search in MEDLINE, Psychinfo, and Cochrane (January 2010-December 2020).

REVIEW METHODS

A coherent search strategy was designed where MESH terms were combined with "free text" terms: hope (e.g., hope therapy, Herth Hope Index, quality of life) and cancer (e.g. neoplasm, tumor). Two authors independently screened all the studies and assessed their quality.

RESULTS

Twenty studies were included. The overall score of Herth Hope Index in cancer patients was 36.93, and the overall score of quality of life in cancer patients were 47.52. Also, the trend of quality of life and Herth Hope Index in cancer patients has been decreasing, from 2010 to 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic literature review of associated factors of hope in cancer patients receiving treatment shows that hope seems to be positively related mainly by intrinsic factors, such as perceived health, quality of life, and social support.

“Keeping the Light On”: A Qualitative Study on Hope Perceptions at the End of Life in Portuguese Family Dyads

Hope performs an important role in how patients and their families cope with suffering and stressful events. To better inform practice and theory on hope, palliative care research should include both patients and their family carers, given their strong interdependence. The aim of this study was to explore how hope is experienced in dyads formed by end-of-life patients and their family carers. In this qualitative study, data were collected by in-depth interviews with seven Portuguese family dyads. Analysis followed a thematic analysis approach. The analysis of the interviews shed light on the importance of hope for all participants, and the challenges involved. Family dyads noted several barriers and facilitators to perceptions of hope. Barriers to hope included limitations imposed by illness, feelings of anguish and helplessness, and poor communication with clinicians. Hope facilitators included supportive others, positive thinking and sense of humour, connection with nature, faith in religion and science, and a sense of compassion with others and altruism. Given the multidimensional scope of hope, the main challenge for family dyads is to look beyond the disease itself. Thus, palliative care teams should be encouraged to support and foster realistic hope, helping families prepare for death, in the context of advanced cancer.

Psychedelics for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and existential distress in patients with a terminal illness: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Terminally ill patients may experience existential distress, depression, or anxiety, limiting quality of life in the final stage. Existing psychotherapeutic or pharmacological interventions have (time) limited efficacy. Psychedelic treatment may be a safe and effective alternative treatment option.

AIM

Systematically review studies on psychedelic treatment with and without psychotherapy for existential distress, depression, and anxiety in terminally ill patients.

METHODS

Medline, PsycINFO, and Embase were searched for original-data studies on the treatment of depression, anxiety, and existential distress with classical or a-typical psychedelics in patients with a terminal illness, using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

RESULTS

A total of 1850 records were screened, and 33 articles were included in this review: 14 studies on classical psychedelics (DPT, LSD, and psilocybin) and 19 studies on atypical psychedelics (MDMA and ketamine). Results of early pre-post studies are promising but have serious methodological flaws. Recent (controlled) trials with LSD, psilocybin, ketamine, and MDMA are of higher methodological quality and indicate positive effects on existential and spiritual well-being, quality of life, acceptance, and reduction of anxiety and depression with few adverse and no serious adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Both classical and a-typical psychedelics are promising treatment options in patients with terminal illness. To draw final conclusions on effectiveness and safety of psychedelics, we need larger high-quality studies for classical psychedelics and MDMA. Ketamine studies should pay more attention to existential dimensions of well-being and the psychotherapeutic context of the treatment.

The Relationship Between Hope and Received Information About Cancer Among Women with Breast Cancer: A Descriptive-Correlational Study

Background: In Western culture, information about different aspects of cancer is directly provided to the individual, but in Eastern culture, health professionals and families do not prefer to inform the patient from diagnosis, treatment, test results, causes of the disease, and the effect of treatment on sexual intercourse in front of patients in order to maintain their hope. Objectives: This study aimed at investigating the relationship between hope and received information about cancer (RIAC) among patients with breast cancer. Methods: Using a descriptive-correlational design, this study was conducted from July to December 2019 on 200. Patients with breast cancer were consecutively recruited from 2 hospitals affiliated with the Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. The participants completed a demographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire, the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Information module (EORTC QLQ-INFO25), and the Herth hope index. Results: The response rate was 100% and participants’ mean age was 49.0 ± 10.33. The mean scores of participants’ RIAC and hope were 40.17 ± 11.52 (in the possible range of 0 - 100) and 36.77 ± 4.61 (in the possible range of 12 - 48), respectively. The mean score of hope had significant positive relationships with the mean score of RIAC (r = 0.305; P < 0.001), and educational level (P = 0.004). Moreover, the mean score of RIAC had a significant positive relationship with educational level (0.049). Conclusions: Greater RIAC is associated with greater hope among patients with breast cancer. Therefore, healthcare providers need to establish effective communication with these patients and provide them with necessary education and information in order to promote their engagement in care plans, improve their self-efficacy, and boost their hope.

Systematic review of factors associated with hope in family carers of persons living with chronic illness

AIMS

To identify factors associated with hope in family carers of persons living with chronic illness.

DESIGN

A systematic review of quantitative and mixed method studies on hope in carers of persons living with chronic illness.

DATA SOURCES

Five electronic databases (Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations and PsycINFO) were searched from inception to 13 July 2020.

REVIEW METHODS

Inclusion criteria were the following: (a) study population of adult (18 years of age and older) carers of persons living with chronic illness, (b) hope was measured as a variable, (c) reported factors associated with hope, (d) employed either quantitative or mixed methods design, (e) written in English and (f) was published in peer reviewed journals. All included studies were evaluated for quality using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies were included in the systematic review. Quality of life, physical and mental health, life satisfaction and the hope of care recipients were found to be positively associated with hope. Carer's coping increased (self-efficacy and caregiver preparedness) as hope increased with a decrease in maladaptive coping strategies. Anxiety, depression, distress, grief and guilt were negatively associated with carers' hope. Carers' hope did not appear to be associated with carer or care-recipient demographic variables.

CONCLUSION

Carers' hope appears to be associated with the carers' over all positive health. The factors associated with carers' hope provide potential areas to focus intervention development such as strategies that increase self-efficacy. More research is needed to clarify if factors such as stage of disease and resilience are associated with hope. Research on carers' hope assessment and intervention development should also focus on factors associated with hope.

IMPACT

The findings underscore the need to assess and work with carers of persons living with chronic illness to enhance their hope.

Hope and symptom burden of women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy: A cross-sectional study

AIM

This research aimed to explore the level of hope and symptom burden of breast cancer women undergoing chemotherapy, and predictive factors of hope were also investigated.

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy brings physical and psychological stress to breast cancer patients. As an effective coping strategy, hope gives them the courage to overcome difficulties and improve prognosis and survival. Therefore, efforts are needed to raise hope.

DESIGN/METHODS

A total of 450 women who were undergoing breast cancer chemotherapy participated in this cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic data, disease characteristics, and measures of hope and symptom burden were collected using questionnaires. Hope was assessed using the validated Herth Hope Index, and the previously validated Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale was used to assess symptom burden. This paper adhered to the STROBE guidelines.

RESULTS

Chinese breast cancer chemotherapy women hope average scores of 30.15 ± 4.82 were in the medium range of the Hearth Hope Index as specified by Herth to be 24-35. Patients with age ≤45, religious beliefs and lighter symptom burden have a higher level of hope. These variables explained a total of 22.9% of the variation in hope.

CONCLUSIONS

The level of hope for women undergoing breast cancer chemotherapy still needs to be further improved. Symptom burden can negatively predict hope.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

If nurses can decrease breast cancer chemotherapy women symptom burden, there is an impact on increasing levels of hope.