Post-Traumatic Growth among Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer and Its Association with Social Support and Hope

Diagnosis of cancer is a traumatic experience. But cancer patients may have some positive experiences that are called post traumatic growth (PTG). The aim of this study was to determine the rate of post-traumatic growth in cancer patients and its relationship with social support and hope.

The present descriptive correlational study was conducted during May-August 2018 in Shiraz, Iran. Population included of 112 all adult patients with gastrointestinal cancer who referred to medical centers affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Data collection instruments included a demographic information form, post-traumatic growth inventory, social support appraisals scale, and Miller hope scale. The data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 23.0). P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Analytical data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient, sample t test, one-way analysis of variance independent and multiple regression analysis. In the case of non-normal distribution, the equivalent nonparametric analysis was used.

The mean score (SD (for PTG was 81.37)15.64(which is considered as high level. The mean score (SD) for hope, and SS was 195.20 (24.92), and 97.39 (11.37), respectively. A significant positive correlation was found between PTG and both hope (r=0.687, P˂0.05) and SS (r=0.636, P˂0.05). The results of the multiple regression analysis showed a significant relationship between PTG, SS, and hope (P˂0.05). According to multiple regression analysis hope had a higher effect on PTG (ẞ=0.613) compared to SS (ẞ=0.192).

The results showed a good level of PTG among the cancer patients. Regarding the association between PTG with the perceived SS and hope, health care providers can help their patient by hope instillation and providing social support.