Influencing Factors on Hope Among Patients with Breast Cancer

Tae, Young Sook; Kim, Mi Yea

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was aimed to identify the influencing factors on hope in the patients suffering with breast cancers.
METHODS
The subjects were 150 women who were diagnosed with breast cancer at three university hospitals and a general hospital. Data collection was conducted by hope scale, family support scale, self esteem scale, depression scale, pain scale, and fatigue scale. The collected data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression.
RESULTS
Level of hope in the participants was high. There were a significant correlation among hope, family support, effects of religion, self esteem, depression, pain and fatigue. There were significant differences in hope by the age, education level, and cost burden. The most powerful predictor of hope was self esteem (38.2%). Altogether family support, effects of religion, depression, and fatigue explained 50.4% of hope of the participants.
CONCLUSION
The findings of the study suggested that the concepts of self esteem, family support, effects of religion, depression and fatigue should be considered important factors in developing hope promoting program for breast cancer patients.