A Comparative Analysis of Spiritual Care Needs Among Cancer Patients Receiving Home Care and Their Caregivers in Turkey.

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to determine and compare the spiritual care needs of cancer patients and their caregivers. A comparative descriptive, cross-sectional design was employed in this study. The study comprised 102 patients who were registered in the hospital's home care unit, as well as their caregivers (total number = 204). The data were collected using a personal information form and the Spiritual Care Needs Inventory. The cancer patients had a mean age of 69.5 years, while their caregivers' mean age was 53.1 years. According to the results, the cancer patients needed more spiritual care than their caregivers (p < 0.01). Patients' spiritual care needs differed significantly by employment status (p < 0.05). However, gender, educational level, and marital status did not have a significant difference in the spiritual care needs of the patients and their caregivers (p > 0.05). Moderately positive and significant (p < 0.05) correlations between patients and their caregivers were found for the total Spiritual Care Needs Inventory scores (r = 0.449), the meaning and hope subscale (r = 0.378), and the caring and respect subscale (r = 0.546). It is important to evaluate the spiritual needs of patients with cancer and their caregivers. In this evaluation, it is essential to elicit the perspectives of cancer patients and their caregivers concerning spiritual needs and religion. Effective spiritual care for patients and their caregivers can only be provided if their beliefs and priorities are taken into consideration.