Spiritual well-being and quality of life in patients with spinal cord injury: A study from Iran

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2018 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2018.1466479 · Published: January 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Mental Health

Simple Explanation

This study explores the connection between spiritual well-being and quality of life in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It suggests that a person's sense of religious and existential well-being can influence their overall quality of life after a SCI. The study involved 213 patients with SCI in Iran, who completed questionnaires measuring their spiritual well-being and health-related quality of life. The results showed that religious and existential well-being were linked to improved vitality, social functioning, mental health, and role emotional. The findings indicate that promoting spiritual well-being in people with SCI might lead to improvements in their quality of life. This suggests that healthcare providers should consider incorporating spiritual elements into rehabilitation programs.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

213 patients with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
Religious well-being was found to be a significant contributing factor to improved vitality, social functioning, mental health and role emotional.
2
Existential well-being significantly contributed to improved vitality, social functioning, mental health and role emotional among SCI patients.
3
Male sex was identified as the most important independent variable contributing to vitality and social functioning.

Research Summary

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between spiritual well-being and quality of life (QOL) among patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Iran. The results indicated that religious well-being and existential well-being were significant factors contributing to improved vitality, social functioning, mental health, and role emotional. The conclusion suggests that higher levels of spiritual well-being might improve the quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injury.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Programs

Incorporate spiritual elements, such as visits to religious places, meetings with religious leaders, and involvement in charity activities, into rehabilitation programs for SCI patients.

Holistic Care

Healthcare providers should consider the spiritual needs of patients with SCI as part of a holistic approach to care, recognizing that spiritual well-being can impact mental and emotional health.

Further Research

Conduct additional research, including qualitative studies, to explore attitudes toward spirituality and its effects on life, which could guide future actions and recommendations for practice.

Study Limitations

1
The study used a convenience sample from one medical center, limiting generalizability.
2
The cross-sectional design prevents establishing causal associations between spiritual health and quality of life.
3
Exclusion of patients unable to complete the survey might have influenced the results.

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