The Nature of Hope and its Relationship with Social Support and Health Care Providers' Support in Cancer Patients Referred to Ardabil Imam Khomeini Training –Theory Center, 2013.

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Hope is an important coping resource for cancer patients. Health care providers' support and social support role in the promotion of hope. The level of health care providers' support and social support provided by family and friends and their relationship with hope and also Types and sources of hope and hope inspiring strategies are mot well investigated among Iranian Cancer Patients. So, the aims of present study were to investigate the nature of hope and its relationship with social support and health care providers' support in cancer patients referred to Ardabil Imam Khomeini training –therapy center. Methods: This descriptive –correlational study was undertaken among 230 cancer patients admitted to an Imam Khomeini training –therapy center affiliated to Ardabil University of Medical Sciences. Participants were selected using convenience sampling method. The Herth hope Index and Vaux Social support questionnaire and Northouse Health care providers' support questionnaire and other validated questionnaire were used to investigate level of hope and type and sources of hope, as well as hope –inspiring strategies. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software and descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Results: Patients with moderate to high levels of hope, social support and health care providers' support. Between hope and social support and health care providers' support in patients with significant positive correlation was found. The most of patients mentioned 'return to normal life' and 'complete healing of disease by drugs and physicians' as their main types of hope. The most important sources of hope reported by patients include spiritual resources, family members, healthcare workers, and medicines and treatments available for the disease. Relationship with God, praying/blessing, controlling the signs and symptoms of the disease, and family/healthcare workers' support were the main hope –inspiring strategies. Conclusions: Family and friends and health care providers' support are a key factor in the hope in patients with cancer. Nurses and physicians can provide support and deal effectively with their patients to meet the spiritual needs of the patient and family support in raising hopes of improving patients that one of the ways to cope with the disease that play a very effective role.