Relationship between hope and quality of life in patients with advanced cancer in Uruguay: An observational analysis.

person Natalia Camejo Service of Clinical Oncology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay info_outline Natalia Camejo, Dahiana Amarillo, Florencia Nantes, Cecilia Castillo, Gabriel David Krygier

Authors person Natalia Camejo Service of Clinical Oncology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay info_outline Natalia Camejo, Dahiana Amarillo, Florencia Nantes, Cecilia Castillo, Gabriel David Krygier Organizations Service of Clinical Oncology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay, Hospital de Clinicas, Montevideo, Uruguay, Hospital de Clínicas, Montevideo, Uruguay Abstract Disclosures Research Funding No funding sources reported Background: International research suggests a beneficial effect of hope on quality of life in advanced-stage cancer patients. Specific evidence for Latin America and Uruguay is limited, highlighting the need to explore this relationship for regional clinical strategies. Objective: To evaluate the correlation between hope and quality of life in Uruguayan patients with advanced cancer. Methods: This observational, analytical-descriptive, and cross-sectional study used the Herth Hope Index (HHI) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General (FACT-G) Quality of Life questionnaire. It included 59 patients aged 18 or older, diagnosed with advanced, non-curable cancer. Results: There was a positive but non-significant correlation between HHI and FACT-G scores (Pearson coefficient of 0.05). Hope significantly correlated with support from oncology services (p = 0.044), family support (p = 0.003), and spiritual beliefs (p = 0.029). Factors like bone metastases, diagnostic delay, and being accompanied at consultations significantly impacted quality of life (p = 0.041, p = 0.035, p = 0.012). Conclusions: The study observed a positive association between hope and quality of life, but the lack of statistical significance indicates the need for more research. Clinically, results highlight the importance of comprehensive care addressing spiritual and emotional needs, in addition to medical treatment. It also underscores the potential impact of supportive services on patient well-being. Future research should include larger sample sizes and consider longitudinal designs to better understand hope's effects over time in advanced cancer patients.