The effect of the level of hope on the general symptoms and quality of life in patients receiving chemotherapy

Abstract

Objective: The study was conducted to determine the impact of the level of hope in patients receiving chemotherapy treatment in the oncology clinic on general symptoms and quality of life. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 202 patients who applied to the chemotherapy unit of an education and research hospital in the western region of Turkey. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Herth Hope Scale, General Symptom Inventory, Quality of Life Scale in Cancer Patients (EORTC QLQ-C30), and General Quality of Life Scale (SF-12) scales. Descriptive statistics, univariate analyses, and linear regression analysis were used in the analysis of the data. Results: The mean age of the patients is 56.24±11.88 years. The research group had an average disease duration of 10.57±16.61 months, with 55.0% diagnosed with breast cancer, 60.4% undergoing surgery related to their disease, and 40.6% being in stage II of the disease. It was determined that 21.8% of the research group had metastasis, and the average duration of chemotherapy cure was 6.69±4.48. It was found that the Herth Hope Scale and General Symptom Inventory levels of the patients affected their SF-12 physical and mental summary scores, as well as the EORTC QLQ-C30 summary score and global quality of life levels. Conclusion: As a result of the research, it was determined that the hope levels and cancer-related quality of life of the patients who received chemotherapy were moderate. Their general quality of life was low, and they experienced fewer cancer-related symptoms. It was determined that hope levels affected general symptoms and quality of life.