Hope in Iranian mothers of children with cancer: a descriptive correlational study

• Published in: Supportive care in cancer Vol. 29; no. 7; pp. 3697 - 3705
• Main Authors: Fathollah Zadeh, Ensieh, Parry, Yvonne, Eshghi, Peyman
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.07.2021; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Cancer; Correlational studies; Disabled children; Emotions; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Mothers; Nursing; Nursing Research; Oncology; Oncology, Experimental; Optimism; Original Article; Pain Medicine; Pediatrics; Rehabilitation Medicine; Social support; Spirituality; Surveys; Iran; Supportive care; Mothers; Hope; Childhood cancer
• ISSN: 0941-4355; 1433-7339
• DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05881-4

Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship between the level of hope in mothers who have a child with cancer and its related factors in Iran. Method A cross-sectional and descriptive correlational design was used in this study. A demographic questionnaire and the Herth Hope Index (HHI) were administered to a sample of 240 mothers who have a child with cancer to assess level of hope. Mothers were also asked to indicate their highest priority hopes such as view of their supportive resources including financial support, psychosocial support, religiosity and spirituality. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rho, independent sample t test and one-way ANOVA. Results The mean HHI score was 35.44 ( n = 237). There was a positive correlation between HHI total score and spirituality ( r = 0.267, P < 0.001), and psychosocial support ( r = 0.281, P < 0.001). No significant differences were found between HHI total score and respondents who saw themselves as a religious person and the family financial support. There was a significant difference in HHI total scores for a mother who has a disabled child ( M = 32.92, SD = 2.75; t (235) = 2.00, P = 0.046) and mothers of a child who do not have any disability besides their cancer ( M = 35.59, SD = 4.91). No significant differences were found in the HHI total score and different group of the child’s diagnoses and the mother’s age or/and child’s age. Conclusion Mothers who have a child with cancer with better psychosocial and spiritual support showed a higher level of hope. A thorough knowledge of factors associated with hope in mothers caring for children suffering from cancer could provide a means to further advance the support delivered and the available resources given to the parents, especially the mothers.