A Study on the Association of  Perceived Spiritual Beliefs, Practices,  and Well-Being of Breast Cancer Patients  in a Tertiary General Hospital

Kimberly S.  Cariñgal; Manuel F.  Medina, Jr.; Martha Jane Pauline S.  Umali

doi:10.47895/amp.vi0.3172

Kimberly S. Cariñgal Section of Supportive, Hospice, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
Manuel F. Medina, Jr. Section of Supportive, Hospice, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
Martha Jane Pauline S. Umali Section of Supportive, Hospice, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila

DOI: https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.3172

Keywords: spirituality, well-being, cancer

Abstract

Background. Among Filipino females, breast cancer is the leading malignancy which warrants palliative care that includes spiritual care to help improve quality of life and well-being.

Objective. Determine the associations of perceived spiritual beliefs and spiritual practices with perceived spiritual well-being among breast cancer patients consulting at the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH).

Methods. This was an analytical cross-sectional study using non-probability convenience sampling of adult females with breast cancer at the UP-PGH Breast Cancer Clinic (BCC). The survey utilized a self-administered questionnaire with sections on general demographics, spiritual beliefs, spiritual practices, and spiritual well-being. Descriptive statistics were used and analysis of associations was done through Fisher’s exact test at a 5% level of significance.

Results. Among 219 study participants, almost all reported having perceptions of strong spiritual beliefs, adequate spiritual practices, and good spiritual well-being. Associations were found between perceived spiritual beliefs and spiritual well-being (F=51.2, p<0.001; R=0.4, p<0.001) and between perceived spiritual practices and spiritual well-being (F=62.0, p<0.001; R=0.4, p<0.001).

Conclusion. The associations found of perceived spiritual beliefs and spiritual practices with perceived spiritual well-being should be considered in providing spiritual care as part of the comprehensive management and palliative care for Filipino breast cancer patients.