Hidden Resources for Cancer Patients - Interactions between spirituality, religiosity and selected factors influencing patient's self-care.

Abstract

Introduction: Religiosity and spirituality (SpR) can be vital in helping people face life's challenges. While Spiritual Care (SpC) is used in palliative care, this study explores effects for cancer patient's self-care (SC) in earlier stages .

Methods: Using validated instruments we surveyed patients about SpR (SpNQ-20, GrAw-7, SpREUK), and factors of SC: well-being (WHO-5, L-1), self-efficacy (ASKU), ability to change (PIAC), as well as lay etiology and the use of Complementary and alternative Medicine (CAM). Data were analyzed using SPSS according a three-step plan with descriptive methods, Spearman correlations and mediation analysis.

Results: We included 108 patients (41 female, 63 males, four no data) with a median age of 66 years (range 30-89). Welch tests show a less well-being, self-efficacy and ability to change in our study population (p < 0.05) compared to non-cancer controls. Whitney-U-test has documented increased well-being, CAM use if the patients were S/R+ (p < 0.05). S/R self-categorization had no impact on PIAC and ASKU. Perceptual spirituality (GrAw-7) correlates with all factors of SC (p < 0.05): WHO-5 (rs = 0.25), PIAC (rs = 0.25), ASKU (rs = 0.296), L-1 (rs = 0.35) and CAM use (rs = 0.39, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis demonstrates that the impact of Spirituality on self-care (CAM use) is mediated by religiosity, GrAw-7 and spiritual needs.

Conclusion: Spirituality and hidden spiritual needs are a valuable resource. By integrating SpC early in the treatment, we can create support ways and improve SC, well-being and coping.