The correlation between perceptions of control and hope status in home-based cancer patients.

The purpose of this study was to analyze correlation between perceptions of control and status of hope in home-based cancer patients. One hundred thirty-seven home-based cancer patients from two hospital-based oncology centers in Taipei were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The results showed that subjects' perceptions of control and status of hope were at a moderate level. Patient's religion, marital status and stage of cancer were significantly related to their hope status. The greater the age and the more serious the symptoms, the lower the status of hope was. The healthier the patients, the higher the status of hope was. Perceptions of control for patients was positively correlated with status of hope, when patients felt more sense of control in their ill situation, they had a higher status of hope. The findings of this study suggest that it is advantageous to establish support groups for home-based cancer patients and their families, so as to improve perceptions of control and facilitate their hope status. In addition, the model of case management can alleviate hopelessness due to physical function changes and distress of symptoms. In the future, more research on how to increase perception of control in patients, especially on internal control, is necessary in order to make appropriate and specific care plans for cancer patients.