Hope in Caregivers of Heart, Cancer and AIDS Patients

Abstract

Heart, cancer and AIDS are very serious diseases rising in the world. These diseases not only create distress in the patient's life but also influence negatively caregivers' life. This distress thus, affects the hope of caregivers.  Many studies have been carried out on the various aspects of heart, cancer and AIDS patients. However, few comparative researches have been done on hope of caregivers of these diseased groups.  In the light of above stated context, the present research was planned and carried out with the objectives of measuring and comparing hope of caregivers of heart, cancer and AIDS patients. Total sample of the study comprised 120 subjects, 40 in each group i.e. caregivers of heart, cancer and AIDS patients. Data was collected from various hospitals of New Delhi. For measuring Hope, Trait Hope scale was used. ANOVA and Post-Hoc tests were used to analyze the data. Results showed a significant difference between caregivers of heart, cancer and AIDS patients on overall hope and agency and pathway dimensions of hope. Hope was also found to be higher in caregivers of Heart and cancer patients as compared to caregivers of AIDS patients.