Exploring Spirituality Well-Being in Pediatric Cancer Patients
Exploring Spiritual Well-Being in Pediatric Cancer Patients
There’s no doubt that a diagnosis of pediatric cancer is life-altering to a child and their family. As children and families adjust to a “new normal” of frequent doctor’s appointments, chemotherapy, radiation, IV sticks and blood draws. Despite the rigorous treatment regimens, survival is not guaranteed. This can lead children and their families down a path of existential questions and spiritual distress as they seek ways to cope with the unforeseen.
Spiritual distress in this context is described as a lack of inner peace and connectedness, grief, the inability to find acceptance, lost sense of meaning in life, or hope for the future. In today’s article, we explore 2 studies that delved into the role of spirituality in the care of pediatric cancer patients and their families.
Before we get into the studies, let’s take a look at what spirituality is, especially in the context of childhood cancer. These studies defined spirituality as more than a specific religious affiliation; it's about seeking meaning, purpose, and connectivity that evolves over a lifetime and involves a relational aspect, including one’s relationships with oneself, others, nature, and a higher power.
The first study we’ll look at was conducted at a hematology-oncology unit in a Lithuanian hospital and it examined the spiritual well-being of 81 pediatric patients. Inclusion criteria included age 5- 12 years old, first cancer diagnosis, and no other chronic health conditions. Data was collected between June 2020 and November 2021. The study used five different data questionnaire instruments to assess various facets of spiritual well-being.
The results of this study demonstrated that communal and personal domains of spiritual well-being scored the highest among these pediatric patients. This underscores the significance of fostering relationships—be it with caregivers, pets, friends, or peers—as a vital aspect of nurturing spiritual well-being in pediatric oncology care.
A published review of 20 articles in the existing literature corroborated these findings. This review revealed a growing interest among researchers in the interplay between spirituality and health, particularly in pediatric cancer care. They found that spirituality emerges as a driving force for both patients and their families in coping with the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
This review found that children express their spirituality in a variety of ways, including through play and creative activities. Engaging in such activities not only fosters resilience but also equips them with positive coping strategies. The journey of spirituality in pediatric oncology doesn't unfold in isolation. It's a shared experience that involves not just the affected children but also their families and healthcare providers. Studies suggest that spirituality acts as a buffer against stress, offering comfort and hope to both kids and their families, helping them navigate the turbulent and often uncertain waters of chronic illness.
In essence, addressing the spiritual dimension in pediatric oncology care is of growing interest for the well-being and coping of children, their families, and healthcare providers. As healthcare providers, it is important to begin to explore ways that we can offer support to our young patients and their families addressing these spiritual aspects, in addition to their physical, mental, and emotional domains of health.
Resources:
Lima NN, do Nascimento VB, de Carvalho SM, Neto ML, Moreira MM, Brasil AQ, Junior FT, de Oliveira GF, Reis AO. Spirituality in childhood cancer care. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2013;9:1539-44. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S42404. Epub 2013 Oct 9. PMID: 24133371; PMCID: PMC3797236.
Juškauskienė E, Riklikienė O, Fisher J. Spiritual Well-Being and Related Factors in Children With Cancer. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol Nurs. 2023 Nov-Dec;40(6):420-431. doi: 10.1177/27527530231168592. Epub 2023 Jun 12. PMID: 37306185.