A Study of Spirituality and Life Satisfaction Among Persons with Spinal Cord Injury

Exploring the self-reported physical fitness and self-rated health, mental health disorders, and body satisfaction among Chinese adolescents: A cross-sectional study

Background

Physical activity (PA) and Physical fitness (PF) have received tremendous attention in the field of physical and mental health. However, limited attention has been given to the associations of self-reported physical fitness with some health-related outcomes. Given the COVID-19 pandemic is still active in many Chinese regions, assessing health-related physical fitness (HRPF) in adolescents using field-based assessment (such as a shuttle run for cardiorespiratory fitness) is unrealistic, therefore, this study was conducted via a self-reported questionnaire.

Purpose

The present cross-sectional study was aimed at delving into the relationship between self-reported physical fitness with self-rated health, depression, anxiety, and body satisfaction in adolescents. Three thousand eight hundred and seven study participants from 12 public schools in South-eastern China were recruited and 2,407 of them provided valid data on variables that this study needed for analysis.

Materials and methods

Study participants were asked to self-report their sociodemographic factors (e.g., sex, grade, age), independence, and outcomes. Generalized linear models were used to explore the associations of self-reported physical fitness (comprising general physical fitness, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, speed and agility, and flexibility) with depression, anxiety, and body satisfaction. A total of 2,407 children and adolescents with a mean age of 13.82 (±2.1) years were included in the final study analysis.

Results

Higher self-reported levels of general physical fitness and cardiorespiratory fitness were associated with better self-rated health, and body satisfaction but with lower risks of depression and anxiety.

Conclusion

The current study offered evidence on the roles of self-reported physical fitness and health-related outcomes. To facilitate health in children and adolescents, advocating fitness education, and promotion could be a feasible approach.

Is Belonging to a Religious Organization Enough? Differences in Religious Affiliation Versus Self-ratings of Spirituality on Behavioral and Psychological Variables in Individuals with Heart Failure

In the United States, heart failure (HF) affects approximately 6.5 million adults. While studies show that individuals with HF often suffer from adverse symptoms such as depression and anxiety, studies also show that these symptoms can be at least partially offset by the presence of spiritual wellbeing. In a sample of 327 men and women with AHA/ACC classification Stage B HF, we found that more spirituality in patients was associated with better clinically-related symptoms such as depressed mood and anxiety, emotional variables (affect, anger), well-being (optimism, satisfaction with life), and physical health-related outcomes (fatigue, sleep quality). These patients also showed better self-efficacy to maintain cardiac function. Simply belonging to a religious organization independent of spiritualty, however, was not a reliable predictor of health-related benefits. In fact, we observed instances of belonging to a religious organization unaccompanied by parallel spiritual ratings, which appeared counterproductive.

The experience of spirituality from the perspective of people living with dementia: A systematic review and meta-synthesis

Spirituality is an important aspect of humanity. Concerned with deriving meaning from events, and connection with others, it provides a mechanism for some to cope with illness and disability. While spiritual support is recognised as important, little is known about the spiritual needs of those people experiencing dementia. This meta-synthesis considers the experiences of spirituality from the perspective of people living with a diagnosis of dementia. Using a review protocol, key words from a preliminary scoping review were used to direct database searches in November 2013. A total of 667 papers were initially identified. However, following careful quality review assessment a final eight papers were selected. Findings demonstrated the ongoing importance of spirituality to people living with dementia and its importance as a means of finding hope, meaning and linkage with past, present and future. Expression of spirituality through faith practices, contact with faith communities, and the impact of dementia on these, were also highlighted.

Spiritual well-being and quality of life in patients with spinal cord injury: A study from Iran

Objective To assess the relationship between spiritual well-being and health-related quality of life (QOL) among patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Setting Brain and SCI Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. A sample of patients with SCI participated in the study and completed two questionnaires: the Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36) in order to collect data on vitality, social functioning, mental health and role emotional and the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) to measure religious and existential well-being. The association between spiritual well-being and health-related QOL was then assessed. Results In all 213 patients were studied. The mean age of patients was 43.5 (SD = 10.8) years, and most were male (77.5%). The results obtained from generalized linear regression analysis indicated that religious well-being and existential well-being were significant contributing factors to improved vitality, social functioning, mental health and role emotional. Conclusion The findings suggest that having higher levels of spiritual well-being might improve quality of life in people with spinal cord injury.

The role of spirituality in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation: exploring health professional perspectives

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive, qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the perspectives of health professionals (HPs) regarding the role of spirituality in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation.

SETTING

Single centre rehabilitation hospital, NSW, Australia.

METHODS

Two focus groups (n = 12) were conducted with HPs (e.g., nursing, allied health, medical) working in SCI inpatient rehabilitation. A semi-structured interview was employed, consisting of questions about spirituality and its role in SCI rehabilitation. The groups were audio recorded and transcribed. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

Six themes were identified from the focus group data: (i) the meaning of spirituality; (ii) spirituality as a help; (iii) spirituality as a hindrance; (iv) how spirituality is indirectly addressed in practice; (v) perceived barriers to incorporating spirituality into practice; (vi) how spirituality can be better integrated into practice. HPs recognised that spirituality played an important role in the adjustment of many individuals and their families after SCI. However, spirituality was not proactively addressed during SCI rehabilitation, and most often arose during informal interactions with clients. Spirituality, and specifically religious belief, was perceived to sometimes raise difficulties for clients and staff. The use of physical space and a review of rehabilitation processes were suggested by HPs as two ways spirituality could be better incorporated into practice.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study reveal that spiritual needs of clients and their family members during SCI rehabilitation are important and could be better addressed. A range of initiatives are proposed, including staff training and the use of standardised spiritual assessment tools.

Meaning and components of quality of life among individuals with spinal cord injury in Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia

PURPOSE

Knowledge on the meaning of quality of life in individuals with spinal cord injury in developing countries is limited. This study aims to explore the meaning and components of quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injury in a rural area in Indonesia.

METHOD

Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 12 individuals with paraplegia (8 males, 4 females) aged 24-67 years. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes that constitute meaning and components of quality of life.

RESULTS

Quality of life was not an easily understood concept, while "life satisfaction" and "happiness" were. Life satisfaction was associated with a person's feeling when achieving goals or dreams and related to fulfillment of needs. Thirteen components of life satisfaction were identified and categorized into five domains as follows: (1) participation: earning income and work, being useful to others, community participation, and having skills and knowledge, (2) social support: social support, social relationship, (3) relationship with God: injury is God's will, praying, (4) independence: being independent, mobility and accessibility, and health, and (5) psychological resources: accepting the condition, maintaining goals and motivation.

CONCLUSIONS

Social, cultural and religious influences were prominent in the perception of life satisfaction. The measurement of quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injury in Indonesia needs to consider locally perceived meaning and components of quality of life. Implications for Rehabilitation Financial, social and health needs of individuals with spinal cord injury in Indonesia must be immediately addressed. To increase financial independence, rehabilitation professionals should equip individuals with spinal cord injury with adequate self-employment skills. Sociocultural and religious aspects should be considered in the measurement of quality of life.

Living with a spinal cord injury: a grounded theory approach

AIMS

This paper reports a study which examined patients' experiences of suffering a spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND

Spinal cord injury has major bio-psycho-social and spiritual implications for patients. However, very limited research exists regarding the experience of patients with spinal cord injury in Taiwan or other countries worldwide.

METHOD

Grounded theory was used to explore the psychosocial implications for patients of spinal cord injury.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were collected from October 2002 - March 2003 through tape-recorded, semi-structured interviews and complete observation of a group discussion focusing on patients with tetraplegia, in a rehabilitation hospital in Taiwan. The number of patients with spinal cord injury interviewed for this study was 15, involving 18 interviews. Data collection and analysis occurred concurrently.

RESULTS

The findings resulted in the core category 'living with a spinal cord injury' and identify the experiences of suffering a spinal cord injury. Three stages were identified as the individual experience, including four categories: stage 1 A catastrophic life event, stage 2 Confront challenges and stage 3 Moving forward or Withdraw from society.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that patients suffering a spinal cord injury have to find their own way and learn to live with their disability. Patients who did better in living with spinal cord injury point could move forward, otherwise, they may withdraw from society.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Health professionals need to recognize patients' experiences, perceptions and needs, to provide better nursing care.

The role of spirituality in coping with the demands of the hospital culture amongst fourth-year nursing students

The aim of this research was to describe the role of spirituality in coping with the demands of the hospital culture amongst fourth-year nursing students. Qualitative, descriptive, hermeneutic interpretive research was done. A case study of 14 female Canadian nursing students was asked to write an essay on their experiences of the demands of the hospital culture. Content analysis was used and positive psychology served as the interpretive lens. Trustworthiness and ethicality were ensured. The findings indicated that although the nursing students expressed themselves in religious and spiritual words, they did not significantly illustrate the theoretically associated intra-, interpersonal and sacred behaviours to be referred to as being spiritual in their experience as a care giver in the hospital culture. They also did not illustrate behaviours linked to other positive psychology constructs such as sense of coherence, resilience, engagement or emotional intelligence. Rather, the nursing students experienced identity crises. Recommendations for the inclusion of mentoring in the curriculum of nursing students were formulated.

Spirituality and life satisfaction in adults with pediatric-onset spinal cord injury

STUDY DESIGN

This study was a cross-sectional, follow-up survey.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the role of importance of religion and spiritual coping on life satisfaction in adults with pediatric-onset spinal cord injury (SCI).

SETTING

This study was carried out in a specialty hospital system.

METHODS

Individuals who sustained an SCI before age 18 completed a structured telephone interview at ages 24-45. Demographic/medical questionnaires along with standardized measures were administered: Brief COPE, FIM, Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART), 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) and Satisfaction with Life (SWL) scales. Spirituality was measured with a question assessing importance of religion and using the spiritual coping domain of the Brief COPE.

RESULTS

A total of 298 individuals (62% men; 56% with tetraplegia) participated in this study. Approximately half (141) of the participants reported that religion is 'important to very important' to them and 55% (163) used spiritual coping. Importance of religion and spiritual coping was significantly associated with older age (P<0.01), longer duration of injury (P<0.01) and higher SWL (P<0.05). Importance of religion was also related to higher SF-12 mental component (P<0.05). Spiritual coping was negatively associated with motor independence (P<0.05) and CHART occupation (P<0.05). Moreover, spiritual coping emerged as a predictor of SWL, whereas importance of religion did not.

CONCLUSION

Over half of the participants endorsed importance of religion and the use of spiritual coping. Spiritual coping, in particular, may serve a unique role in promoting SWL. Consequently, assessment of spirituality needs to become a standard part of care in the treatment of individuals with SCI and the use of spirituality-focused interventions to promote SWL should be explored.

Determining relationships between physical health and spiritual experience, religious practices, and congregational support in a heterogeneous medical sample

Previous research indicates that increased religiosity/spirituality is related to better health, but the specific nature of these relationships is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between physical health and spiritual belief, religious practices, and congregational support using the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality and the Medical Outcomes Scale Shortform-36. A total of 168 participants were surveyed with the following medical disorders: Cancer, Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Stroke, plus a healthy sample from a primary care setting. The results show that individuals with chronic medical conditions do not automatically turn to religious and spiritual resources following onset of their disorder. Physical health is positively related to frequency of attendance at religious services, which may be related to better health leading to increased ability to attend services. In addition, spiritual belief in a loving, higher power, and a positive worldview are associated with better health, consistent with psychoneuroimmunological models of health. Practical implications for health care providers are discussed.

The associations between life satisfaction and health-related quality of life, chronic illness, and health behaviors among U.S. community-dwelling adults

The primary purpose of this article was to examine the associations between life satisfaction level and health-related quality of life (HRQOL), chronic illness, and adverse health behaviors among adults in the U.S. and its territories. Data were obtained from the 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an ongoing, state-based, random-digit telephone survey of the noninstitutionalized U.S. population aged >or=18 years. An estimated 5.6% of U.S. adults (about 12 million) reported that they were dissatisfied/very dissatisfied with their lives. As the level of life satisfaction decreased, the prevalence of fair/poor general health, disability, and infrequent social support increased as did the mean number of days in the past 30 days of physical distress, mental distress, activity limitation, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, sleep insufficiency, and pain. The prevalence of smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and heavy drinking also increased with decreasing level of life satisfaction. Moreover, adults with chronic illnesses were significantly more likely than those without to report life dissatisfaction. Notably, all of these associations remained significant after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Our findings showed that HRQOL and health risk behaviors varied with level of life satisfaction. As life satisfaction appears to encompass many individual life domains, it may be an important concept for public health research.

Spiritual Care

Spiritual care has long been recognized as an essential component in providing holistic care to patients. However, many nurses have acknowledged that their education lacked practical guidelines on how to provide culturally competent spiritual care. Although all nurses are required to provide spiritual care, rehabilitation nurses are particularly challenged to be competent in this area, due to the lengthy recovery time and special needs often presented by rehabilitation patients. This article provides practical guidelines for rehabilitation nurses, to assist patients in meeting their spiritual needs.

Estudo da qualidade de vida em pessoas com lesão medular traumática

Centros de pesquisa do mundo inteiro vêm realizando estudos sobre qualidade de vida em diversas condições crônicas, com o intuito principal de promover intervenções que venham de encontro à sua melhoria. Este fato se estende aos pacientes portadores de lesão medular. Este é um estudo com o objetivo de avaliar a qualidade de vida das pessoas portadoras de lesão medular traumática, na cidade de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil. Participaram do estudo 32 pacientes paraplégicos adultos com lesão medular completa, de etiologia traumática, a maioria do sexo masculino, idade entre 20 a 47 anos e entre 5 a 10 anos de lesão. O instrumento utilizado para coleta dos dados foi o The MOS 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. Como resultado foi encontrado que o paciente com lesão medular traumática possui grande comprometimento de sua qualidade de vida, em todos os seus domínios, principalmente no que se refere aos "aspectos sociais".