Effects of Spiritual Care on the Health of Children With Cancer; [تبقارمیونعمردتمالسناکدوکالتبمهبناطرس] Publisher



Veisimiankali M ; Jalilian L ; Nikjoo P ; Mahvar T ; Salari N ; Rasad R ; Veisi H
Source: Pajouhan Scientific Journal Published:2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Cancer is among the most common chronic diseases. The treatment process causes many changes in the individual's lifestyle and leads to many physical and mental challenges in their life. Since children are more sensitive, they are more deeply affected by such issues. For this reason, patients with cancer need intensive spiritual attention and spiritual care. On the other hand, humans are multifaceted beings; therefore, their physical and spiritual dimensions should be considered in treatment. The present study investigates spiritual care in children with cancer. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted on 101 nurses, selected from the children's departments of medical education centers affiliated with Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran. The Spiritual Care Competency Questionnaire, along with sections of the Short Multidimensional Spirituality Questionnaire, was used to collect the data. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 24). Results: Based on the findings, the average spiritual care score was above average and within the desired range. A significant difference was observed only in the negative spiritual confrontation subscale, with marital status as the predictor (P < 0.05). The mean score for negative confrontation was higher among single individuals. Based on an analysis of variance, no significant differences were found in the mean scores for spiritual care and its subscales across age, employment type, work experience, and work shift. Conclusion: Nurses and patients are aware of the positive impact of spirituality on spiritual health, but obstacles remain, including limited time, inadequate skills, and insufficient training in providing spiritual care. © 2025. Pajouhan Scientific Journal.