UCSF

Objective: Determine clinically meaningful cutpoints for the Herth Hope Index (HHI); evaluate for differences in demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as stress, resilience, and coping between oncology patients with lower versus higher levels of hope.Sample and Setting: Oncology outpatients receiving chemotherapy (n=1295). Methods & Variables: Patients completed the HHI, Multidimensional Quality of Life Scale-Patient Version (MQOLS-PV), stress, resilience, and coping measures prior to their second or third cycle of chemotherapy. Cutpoints for lower versus higher levels of hope were determined by the analysis of variance that yielded the largest F ratio for the between category effects on the MQOLS-PV. Differences between the Hope groups in demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as stress, resilience, and coping were evaluated using parametric and nonparametric tests. Results: Optimal cutpoints for the HHI were: ≤40 (i.e., lower level of hope) and ≥41 (i.e., higher level of hope). Lower Hope group had a higher comorbidity burden and a lower functional status. These patients had higher levels of stress, lower levels of resilience, and were less likely to use engagement coping strategies. Implications for Nursing: Clinicians can use this information to educate patients about interventions that can decrease stress and improve their coping abilities. Oncology patients may benefit from having conversations with clinicians that authentically convey prognosis and provide a realistic sense of hope.