Abstract
Purpose: Investigations into the role of spirituality in cancer confirm the association of good spiritual well-being with many positive outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate potential changes in spirituality over the course of radiation therapy (RT). Patients and Materials: The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual questionnaire measuring spiritual well-being and quality of life (QOL) was administered to adult patients undergoing RT. Scores were compared using student t tests and chi-square analysis. Results: Despite statistically significant declines in QOL measures such as physical well-being (P <.001) and overall well-being (P <.001), no significant changes were noted in spirituality for all comers. A significant increase in the Sp-12 spirituality measure (P =.001) was noted in patients with breast cancer, independent of age, gender, and purpose of treatment. Sp-12 scores were positively correlated with overall QOL scores (P <.001).
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 449-454 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine |
| Volume | 29 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jun 2012 |
Keywords
- cancer
- palliative care
- quality of life
- radiation therapy
- spiritual well-being
- spirituality
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine