Understanding the Concept and Meaning of Hope and the Spiritual Wellbeing of Filipino Caregivers of Terminally- Ill Cancer Patients

Cancer is experienced not only by the patient, but also by their loved ones. Caregivers have the very important role in the care of terminally ill cancer patients. This study aimed to understand the concept and meaning of hope and the spiritual wellbeing of Filipino caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients. This study aimed to understand the concept and meaning of hope and the spiritual wellbeing of Filipino caregivers with factors based on patient and caregiver characteristics. It also explored the personal experience and thoughts of Filipino caregivers on hope and spiritual wellbeing in caring for terminally ill cancer patients. The study utilized descriptive correlation design. One caregiver per patient was surveyed through purposive sampling (n=50). Patient characteristics were mean age of 51 years old, mostly female diagnosed with breast cancer and receiving chemotherapy, suffering from symptoms such as pain, lack of appetite, fatigue and bowel problems. Caregiver characteristics were: mean age of 44 years old, mostly females, married, and Roman Catholic, half were high school graduates, approximately 25% were spoused of patients, with average caregiving duration of 21.4 months, an average of 18.36 hours of caregiving in a day, self-efficacy score of 3.29 and social support at 1.72. Hope score of Filipino caregivers was moderately high at 3.24 out of 4.0 with highest scores in the following responses: (1) life has value and worth; (2) that faith gives comfort; (3) have positive outlook toward life; and (4) able to give and receive caring/love. On spiritual wellbeing, the mean score is 3.24, with highest scores in the following: (1) have reason for living; (2) life (does not) lack meaning and purpose; (3) patient’s illness strengthened their faith or spiritual beliefs; (4) find strength in my faith or spiritual beliefs; and (5) life has been productive. Patient’s age was moderately correlated with caregiver’s hope (r=0.30) and was shown to be significant p=0.03). Caregiver’s educational attainment was significantly associated with both hope (p<0.01) and spiritual wellbeing (p<0.01). Caregiver’s self-efficacy was moderately correlated with spiritual wellbeing (r=0.46) and statistically significant (p