The Relationship Between the Sense of Coherence and Quality of Life among Caregivers of Children with Cancer

Abstract

This descriptive correlational research aimed to examine the relationship between a sense of coherence and the quality of life among caregivers of children with cancer receiving treatment. Data collection was conducted from August 2022 to June 2023. The sample consisted of 120 caregivers of pediatric cancer patients receiving treatment at the outpatient and inpatient departments of a tertiary hospital in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, selected through convenience sampling. Research instruments included a personal information questionnaire, as well as the Sense of Coherence Scale and the Quality of Life Assessment, which had Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of .85 and .81, respectively. Data were analyzed using percentages, means, standard deviations, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients. The results revealed that average caregivers’ sense of coherence was at a moderate level (M = 137.41, SD = 31.71) and their quality of life was also at a moderate level (M = 178.34, SD = 27.13). Their overall sense of coherence was positively correlated with quality of life at a statistically significant level (r = .34, p < .01). These findings suggest that the sense of coherence is a key factor influencing caregivers’ quality of life. Promoting the sense of coherence may enhance caregivers’ ability to cope with caregiving demands, reduce stress, and maintain long-term well-being.