Relationships among hope, psychological well-being and health-related quality of life in childhood cancer survivors

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Childhood cancer survivors are afflicted with delayed health sequelae that jeopardise their psychological well‐being and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). Increasing evidence indicates that hope promotes coping with cancer and enhances positive well‐being of survivors. Nevertheless, no study has been conducted to examine the hope level, and investigate its relationship with the psychological well‐being and HRQOL of Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors. This study aimed to (1) examine the hope level of Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors; and (2) investigate the interrelationships among hope, depressive symptoms, self‐esteem and HRQOL of these survivors. Design/Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted. A total of 176 childhood cancer survivors aged 10–16 years who had their medical follow‐up in a paediatric oncology outpatient clinic were recruited. Participants’ hope level, HRQOL, depressive symptoms and self‐esteem were assessed. Results: The findings indicated that lower level of hope was associated with more depressive symptoms, lower self‐esteem and HRQOL. The results of the study also showed that hope, depressive symptoms and self‐esteem are the significant contributing factors of HRQOL. However, results of multiple regression analysis revealed that hope made the greatest contribution to HRQOL of these survivors. Conclusions: This study showed that hope influences the psychological well‐being and quality of life among childhood cancer survivors. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to develop and evaluate hope‐enhancing interventions for childhood cancer survivors so as to promote their psychological well‐being and enhance their quality of life.