Beneficial Effects of Spiritual Experiences and Existential Aspects of Life Satisfaction of Breast and Lung Cancer Patients in Poland: A Pilot Study

The Role of Spirituality and Religion in Improving Quality of Life and Coping Mechanisms in Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

This systematic review aimed to comprehensively evaluate the role of spirituality and religion in the journey of patients with cancer and assess their impact on various aspects of well-being and coping mechanisms.

METHODS

Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar following the PRISMA guidelines. This study focused on the period from 2014 to 2024, the time chosen for the emerging integration of spirituality and religion in cancer treatment. Inclusion criteria targeted studies exploring the impact of spirituality and religion on cancer patients' quality of life, coping, and treatment outcomes.

RESULTS

A comprehensive search initially yielded 2591 papers, of which 1544 were excluded as duplicates, and 113 were further excluded based on the inclusion criteria. Ultimately, 53 papers were selected for review, including 8 prospective cohort, 17 cross-sectional, 16 observational descriptive, and 12 RCT studies. Encompassing 13,590 patients with various cancer types, including breast, gastrointestinal, prostate, brain, and others, the review highlighted spirituality and religion's significant role in improving cancer patients' well-being. Across different cancers, greater spiritual well-being and religious coping were consistently associated with an improved quality of life, reduced distress, enhanced coping, and better treatment outcomes. Interventions such as mindfulness therapy, yoga, and religious coping strategies positively impact patients' spiritual and emotional well-being.

CONCLUSIONS

This review highlights the vital role of spirituality and religion in cancer care. Integrating these aspects into patient plans offers comfort and support throughout treatment. Healthcare providers should prioritize spiritual support to enhance patient well-being and optimize outcomes.

Mediation effect of hope on the relationship between inner strength and self-management in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

Effective self-management can enhance a patient's quality of life and delay disease progression. However, motivating patients to adhere to self-management behavior following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains a challenge. With the robust development of positive psychology and interdisciplinary research, the role of psychology factors in patients' health behavior has increasingly garnered attention. This study, focusing on positive psychological qualities, aims to investigate the relationship between inner strength, hope, and self-management in patients post-PCI, and to analyze the mediating role of hope between inner strength and self-management.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 216 PCI patients from a tertiary hospital in Nanjing. Research instruments included a self-designed general information questionnaire, the Inner Strength Scale (ISS), the Herth Hope Index (HHI), and the Coronary Self-Management Scale (CSMS). T-test, analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation analysis, and mediating effect test were utilized for statistical analysis.

Results

The average scores of the ISS, HHI, and CSMS were 81.46 ± 12.00, 35.94 ± 5.38, and 86.79 ± 14.84, respectively. Inner strength was positively correlated with hope and self-management (r = 0.867, r = 0.630, respectively; all P < 0.05), and hope was positively correlated with self-management (r = 0.671, P < 0.05). Moreover, hope had a complete mediating effect between inner strength and self-management (β = 0.630, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The inner strength, hope, and self-management of patients with PCI are at a moderate level. Inner strength primarily influences patients' self-management behavior through hope, suggesting that medical staff can target hope to help patients build confidence in life after illness, form and accumulate inner strength, thereby promoting their self-management and improving prognosis.