Investigating the Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Life Expectancy in Leukemia Patients regarding Selected Hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Experiencing tensions such as anxiety, stress, and depression is inevitable due to the nature of the disease and treatment, which can affect the life expectancy of these patients. Emotional intelligence is one of the most effective components in adapting to a disease and its complications and in complying with treatment. This study is conducted with the aim of determining the relationship between emotional intelligence and life expectancy in leukemia patients.

Methods: This was a descriptive -correlational study conducted on 200 patients with leukemia who were referred to the selected hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2023. The research tools included a demographic information form, Schutte emotional intelligence questionnaire, and Snyder life expectancy questionnaire. Data analysis was done in SPSS version 16 using descriptive and inferential statistics methods.

Results: The average age of the participants in the research was 36/83 ± 11/13 in the age range of 18-69. Most of the patients were male (62%) and married (66/5%). The mean score of emotional intelligence in leukemia patients was 127/17 and the mean score of life expectancy was 32/19. According to the results of the study, there was a positive and significant correlation between emotional intelligence and life expectancy (P<0/001) (r=0/364).

Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, patients with higher emotional intelligence had higher life expectancy. Since emotional intelligence is very helpful in facing stress and tension and can be taught and learned, implementing interventions to increase emotional intelligence can be the basis for improving the life expectancy of these patients.