RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Search for Meaningful Support and the Meaning of Illness in German Cancer Patients
JF Anticancer Research
JO Anticancer Res
FD International Institute of Anticancer Research
SP 1449
OP 1455
VO 25
IS 2B
A1 BÜSSING, ARNDT
A1 OSTERMANN, THOMAS
A1 MATTHIESSEN, PETER F.
YR 2005
UL http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/25/2B/1449.abstract
AB Background: Spiritual needs are an essential component of holistic health care. Several studies have shown that religious involvement and spirituality are associated with better health outcome, coping skills and health-related quality of life. Patients and Methods: Using the newly developed SpREUK inventory, we examined how German cancer patients (n=115) by themselves view the impact of spirituality and religiosity (SpR) on their health and how they cope with illness. Results: Cancer patients with both a religious and spiritual attitude had significantly higher values in the search for meaningful support and in addressing the stabilizing effects of SpR than patients without such attitudes. Patients with non-spiritual religious attitudes had a lower perception of the beneficial effects of their SpR and significantly lower needs for meaningful support. Female cancer patients were convinced that finding access to a spiritual source has a positive influence on their illness, that illness has meaning, regard illness as a chance for their own development and as a hint to change life. Conclusion: Knowledge of a patient's spirituality can help service providers predict aspects of psychosocial needs and to respond sensitively and appropriately. The SpREUK questionnaire is a useful tool to define patients who are more in need of spiritual support than others. Copyright© 2005 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved