The Process of Inspiring Hope in Iranian Cancer Patients: A Grounded Theory Study.

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: The diagnosis of cancer generates as intense anxiety and fear and effects all aspect of patients' life. Therefore, dealing with cancer is complex and require the use of different coping resources. One of these coping resources is hope. In spite of the agreement on the importance of hope for the coping of cancer patients with their disease, there is no agreement about the definition of hope. As a result, no clear and effective strategies were identified to maintain and increase hope in cancer patients. Hope is a concept related to culture and religion and most of available literature about hope have been studies on Western populations. In extensive search of literature, there is no study that investigated the meaning of hope or the process of inspiring hope in Iranian cancer patients or cancer patients in other Muslim countries. Therefore, the aim of present study was to explore the lived experiences of Iranian cancer patients about hope and the process of inspiring hope. Methods: In this qualitative study that conducted with grounded theory method 24 cancer patients, 5 family members and 4 health care personnel were selected by the purposeful and theoretical sampling methods. The main method of data collection was un-structures interview that shift to semi structures interview during the data collection. Interviews are tape –recorded and transcribed verbatim. The analysis of interviews and other data started since first interview and was conducted using the Strauss and Corbin principles' of data analysis. Findings: The process of inspiring hope in cancer patients who participated in this study was belief in treatment. This process has three stages including imbalance, effort for survival and trust associated with uncertainty. Main categories that shaped this process are cancer knowledge, effects of cancer, resources and belief in treatment. Belief in treatment is a main category that shapes the hope process and composed from other three categories and is a belief the cancer is curable or controllable. Discussion: The results of present study showed that availability of therapeutic resources, providing support from health care providers and family members, strengthen the religious belief of cancer patients, adequate control of symptom in patients, and suitable disclosure of information may have important role in maintain or enhance the hope in cancer patients. Finally, clinical implications of findings are presented.