Changes in hope, resilience and social support throughout chemotherapy and their association with health-related quality of life in cancer patients: A longitudinal study

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the association between changes in hope, resilience, social support, and cancer-related symptoms, and the change in health-related quality of life among cancer patients during chemotherapy.

Methods: A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted among 126 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Hope, resilience, and social support were measured using the Herth Hope Index, 14-item Resilience Scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, respectively. Quality of life was assessed using Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General. All measures were administered before chemotherapy started and 1 month after chemotherapy completion. Linear mixed models were employed to analyze the changes in hope, resilience, social support, and quality of life. Multivariable linear regression analysis was employed to assess the association between the changes in the psychosocial variables and quality of life.

Results: Physical well-being and emotional well-being significantly improved 1 month after chemotherapy compared to baseline, while no significant change was observed in hope, resilience, or social support. Change in resilience was positively associated with emotional well-being (β = 0.09, 95 %CI: 0.003, 0.18), functional well-being (β = 0.16, 95 %CI: 0.09, 0.23), and overall quality of life (β = 0.33, 95 %CI: 0.09, 0.57). Change in social support showed a positive association with change in social well-being (β = 0.16, 95 %CI: 0.06, 0.25).

Conclusions: This longitudinal study demonstrates that improvements in resilience and social support are positively associated with enhanced quality of life during chemotherapy. Interventions enhancing resilience and social support may help to support cancer patients better during chemotherapy.

Keywords: Cancer; Chemotherapy; Hope; Quality of life; Resilience; Social support; Symptom.