A study of uro-oncology patient perceptions of social support and hope levels

OBJECTIVE: The present study measured social support perceptions and hope levels of uro-oncology patients diagnosed with cancer and examined how they vary according to sociodemographic variables. METHODS: Research was conducted on 143 uro-oncology patients in Konya, Turkey, using a sociodemographic information form, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and the Hope Scale. RESULTS: Patient mean multidimensional perceived social support score was quite high at 62.14±14.99, and mean hope level score was 20.62±4.50. Hope level score was significantly higher in male patients. It was also higher for patients with dependents and for patients who believed their cancer was treatable. Perceived social support levels of patients with dependents and patients who believed their cancer was treatable were also significantly higher. CONCLUSION: Hope levels of uro-oncology patients are affected positively by high levels of perceived social support. Women, patients with dependents, and patients who develop a positive attitude toward their cancer treatment were more hopeful than others.