The Relationship between Hope and Cancer-Related Fatigue

Azadmehr, Farhad; Emami, Payam; Kazemi Najm, Milad; Arad, Mansour

doi:10.22087/ijac.2025.570343.1090

The Relationship between Hope and Cancer-Related Fatigue

Document Type : Research

Authors

Farhad Azadmehr ¹

Payam Emami ²

Milad Kazemi Najm ³

Mansour Arad ⁴

¹ Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Clinical Care Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Science, Sanandaj, Iran

² Department of Emergency Medical Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran

³ Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

⁴ Ph.D. student in Nursing. student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical sciences, Hamadan

10.22087/ijac.2025.570343.1090

Abstract

Cancer-related fatigue is a prevalent and distressing symptom in patients with cancer. This study aimed to assess the relationship between hope and cancer-related fatigue in patients receiving oncological care. A descriptive correlational design was employed. A convenience sample of 160 cancer patients was recruited from oncology clinics of selected hospitals affiliated with the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory–Short Form, and the Herth Hope Index. Data were analyzed using SPSS v22. The participants’ mean age was 55.51 ± 14.27 years, and most were married males. A statistically significant, moderate negative correlation was found between hope and cancer-related fatigue (r = −0.326, p = 0.001), indicating that higher hope levels were associated with lower fatigue. In conclusion, hope is inversely related to cancer-related fatigue, suggesting that it serves as a protective psychological factor. Integrating hope-enhancing interventions, such as meaning-centered counseling or goal-setting strategies, into routine oncology nursing care may mitigate cancer-related fatigue and improve patient well-being. Thus, holistic care for patients with cancer must address not only physical symptoms but also psychosocial resources, particularly hope.

Keywords

Cancer-related fatigue

Hope

Oncology nursing

Psychosocial factors

Fatigue management

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