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Published on: March 6, 2012
Hope and mood changes throughout the primary brain tumor illness trajectory
Alvina A Acquaye1, Lin Lin1, Elizabeth Vera-Bolanos1
1Department of Family Health, University of Texas Health Science Center School of Nursing, Houston, Texas (A.A.A.); Department of Family Health, The University of California, San Francisco, California (L.L.); Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (E.V.-B., T.S.A.); Department of Neuro-Oncology, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (M.R.G.); Department of Family Health, University of Texas Health Science Center School of Nursing, Houston, Texas (T.S.A.).
Patients with glioma experience varying hope levels, impacting mood. Higher hope correlates with better mood, while recurrence lowers hope and worsens mood disturbance in brain tumor patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Psychological Oncology
- Quality of Life Research
Background:
- Defining hope is challenging for healthcare professionals managing glioma patients.
- Glioma outcomes are unpredictable, affecting patient and provider readiness.
- This study explores hope and mood in adult brain tumor patients across the illness trajectory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe hope levels in adult brain tumor patients.
- To examine the relationship between hope and mood states.
- To understand these factors at different stages of the glioma illness.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study design.
- Utilized Herth Hope Index (HHI) and Profile of Mood States-Short Form (POMS-SF).
- Descriptive statistics and inferential tests (Spearman's rho, Mann-Whitney) were employed.
Main Results:
- Eighty-two adult patients (22-78 years) participated; 57.3% male, 35.4% high-grade glioma.
- Overall Herth Hope Index (HHI) score averaged 41.32.
- Patients with tumor recurrence reported lower hope (interconnectedness) and higher mood disturbance compared to those without recurrence (P < .05).
Conclusions:
- Increased hope is associated with decreased overall mood disturbance in brain tumor patients.
- Tumor recurrence significantly correlates with lower hope and heightened mood disturbance.
- Interventions addressing hope are crucial for improving quality of life and coping strategies in glioma patients.
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