Factors Influencing Resilience in Patients with Multiple Myeloma: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of resilience in multiple myeloma patients and to identify the impact of symptom experience, cancer coping, and social support on resilience. Methods: Data were collected from January 2022 to May 2022 using self-report structured questionnaires administered to 162 outpatients who were undergoing chemotherapy or follow-up care after multiple myeloma treatment. The measured variables included symptom experience, cancer coping, social support, and resilience. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 25 for descriptive statistics, the independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, the Scheffé test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and hierarchical regression analysis. Results: The mean resilience score of the participants was 66 out of 100 points. The levels of resilience were significantly higher in patients who had a job, recognized the importance of religion, and had a good economic status. Significantly higher levels of resilience were also observed in patients with lower physical performance status, fewer symptom experiences, more positive cancer coping, and higher support from healthcare staff. Conclusion: Monitoring the symptom experience and physical performance ability of patients with multiple myeloma is important for enhancing their resilience. Positive coping strategies need to be developed and additional support from nurses should be provided to strengthen the personal resilience of patients with multiple myeloma.