Between spiritual wellbeing and spiritual distress: possible related factors in elderly patients with cancer

Authors

  • Silvia Caldeira Universidade Catolica Portuguesa; Instituto de Ciencias da Saude
  • Emilia Campos de Carvalho Universidade de Sao Paulo; Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirao Preto
  • Margarida Vieira Universidade Catolica Portuguesa; Instituto de Ciencias da Saude

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/0104-1169.3073.2382

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: this article describes the assessment of the spiritual wellbeing of elderly patients with cancer submitted to chemotherapy and possible predictive factors of the spiritual distress diagnosis. METHODOLOGY: this is a methodological study for clinical validation of a nursing diagnosis, using interviews to assist in completing the form. RESULTS: 45 elderly patients participated in this study, Catholics, mostly female, diagnosed with breast cancer, average age of 70.3 years. The prevalence of spiritual distress was of 42%; 24.4% of the elderly patients were under anti-depressant medication. A significant association was noted between spiritual distress, anti-depressant medication and level of education; an increase (not significant) was acknowledged at the start of the treatment. CONCLUSION: these results emphasize the relevance of clarifying this diagnosis and the responsibility of nurses to provide spiritual care to patients. Interventions should be planned appropriately every time a nursing diagnosis is identified as a complex answer and for which pharmacological treatment is not sufficient.

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Published

2014-01-01

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 1 (2014)

Section

Original Articles

License

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Including names of authors whose contribution does not fit into the above criteria cannot be justified. Those names can be included in the Acknowledgements section.
 Authors are fully responsible for the concepts disseminated in their manuscripts, which do not necessarily reflect the editors’ and editorial board’s opinion.

 

How to Cite

Between spiritual wellbeing and spiritual distress: possible related factors in elderly patients with cancer . (2014). Revista Latino-Americana De Enfermagem, 22(1), 28-34. https://doi.org/10.1590/0104-1169.3073.2382