THE EFFECT OF RELIGIOUSNESS IN CANCER PATIENTS
Aikaterini Chatzinikolaou
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Publication year:
2018
Author:
- Chatzinikolaou Aikaterini, Theologist, Student at Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki
Keywords index:
Pages: 189-196
Abstract:
Introduction: Faith in God plays a significant role for patients who encounter chronic and life-threatening diseases. The purpose of this review was to explore the effect of religiousness in patients with cancer.Material and Methods: It was conducted a review in researches in international and Greek databases (Google Scholar and IATROTEK Online) with the following keywords: cancer, religion, spirituality, faith and combinations of them. Results: Diagnosis of canceris a turning point for each patient. Religious and spiritual pursuits constitute a frequent phenomenon for patients who are required to cope with a life-threatening disease, like cancer. Cancer patients confront stressful situations and they may experience senses of insecurity, vainness, fear and depression. Religiousness has a positive effect to the person, as it gives the possibility of disease confrontation, reduction of pain and prevention of depression. The contribution of religiousness is important, as it helps to better treatment, acceptance of the disease and to improving the quality of life of patients. Religiousness and spirituality contribute in the psychosocial adjustment of person against cancer, as they reduce the sense of anger and enhance participation in social activities. Conclusions: Nurses through the creation of a personalized holistic care model will be able to meet the religious and spiritual needs of their patients.
Download PDF
