Spiritual needs and practices among family caregivers of patients with cancer

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the spiritual needs and practices among family caregivers of patients with cancer. Methods:This study which is descriptive and cross sectional was conducted with 230 family caregivers at the hematology-oncology clinic hospitalize and outpatients in a university hospital in Manisa, Turkey (West Anatolian). The data were collected by means of sociodemographic and Spiritual Needs Assessment Scale. Arithmetic averages, standart deviation (SD), pergentage were used in statistical analysis. The mean age of family caregivers were 44.9±14.7 (19-84) years, 61.7% were female, and 74.8% were married. Results: Family caregivers described as spiritual practices that 33.3% saying prayers (Namaz), 28.2% prayer, 16.9% saying prayers and prayer, 14.7% saying prayers (Namaz) and reciting the Holy Quran (Koran), 6.9% Holy Quran (Koran). When family care givers were asked common spiritual needs, the participations stated that "For companionship" (59.6%), "To experience or appreciate beauty" (58.6%), and "To be accepted as a person" (58.0%). Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that care process should be planned to provide with spiritual needs and practices among family caregivers of patients with cancer.