The Effects of Spiritual Care on Anxiety in Adolescents with Cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Anxiety is one of the psychological complications of cancer in adolescents and it is due to various factors. Since this complication leaves undesirable effects on physical and mental health and also on the adolescents’ quality of lives, one of the main nursing cares in adolescents with cancer is using various strategies to reduce the anxiety. Experience of living with cancer shows spirituality creates purpose and meaning in life for patients.Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of spiritual care on anxiety in adolescents with cancer.Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study with one- group time-series design. 32 hospitalized adolescents were selected by purposeful sampling method based on the inclusion criteria. The spiritual care program was performed for adolescents in 6 sessions of 45 minutes class during their hospitalization. Data was collected by questionnaires of “personal and clinical characteristics” and “Speilberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory”. The data were analyzed with the SPSS-19 software using descriptive and inferential statistical tests.Results: According to the results of this study, the difference between the mean score of pretest (55.96±11/34) and posttest (42.84±6/19) was significant. However the difference between mean scores of posttest and follow up (48.40±7/18) was not significant (P < 0.001).Conclusion: Implementation of spiritual care by nurses may affect the mental situation of adolescents with cancer and is a suitable method to reduce anxiety. Therefore it is necessary for nurses to use spiritual interventions during implementation of comprehensive nursing care.  Cite to Article: Torabi F, Sajjadi M, Nourian M, Borumandnia N, Shirinabadi Farahani A. The effects of spiritual care on anxiety in adolescents with cancer. Supportive and Palliative Care in Cancer 2016; in press.