Effect of Complementary Spiritist Therapy on emotional status, muscle tension, and wellbeing of inpatients with HIV/AIDS: A randomized controlled trial - single-blind.

ABSTRACT

Background Complementary Spiritist Therapy includes prayer, Spiritist "passe", fluid therapy (fluidic water or magnetized water), and spiritual education, among other therapeutic resources. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Complementary Spiritist Therapy with conventional treatment on emotional status, muscle tension and wellbeing of hospitalized patients with HIV/AIDS. Methods Patients were randomly assigned into either the experimental (3 days [10 mins per day/session] of Complementary Spiritist Therapy alongside conventional treatment; n=20) or control (conventional treatment alone; n=21) group. The primary outcome were positive and negative affects evaluated by the Subjective Wellbeing Scale. The secondary outcome were muscle tension, and wellbeing were assessed by visual analogue scales. Results Significant reductions in negative effects (p=0.045), and muscle tension (p=0.022), along with significant increases in wellbeing (p=0.041) were recorded in the experimental group (Complementary Spiritist Therapy). Conclusions Reductions in negative effects and muscle tension, along with increased perceived wellbeing, were observed in hospitalized patients with HIV/AIDS exposed Complementary Spiritist Therapy combined conventional treatment compared to conventional treatment alone.