Religious commitment in cancer patients: a cross-sectional study

Background/aims: Patients who go through the experience of having cancer usually face a difficult and stressful time. Religion and spirituality are coping strategies that these patients often use to overcome this life event. The aim of this study is to assess religious commitment among cancer patients. Methods: Cross-sectional and prospective study, conducted in a hospital in the south of Portugal. Data collection was conducted between February and June, 2019. Patients with 18 years old and over with all types of cancer were considered eligible to participate. A random sampling technique was implemented to recruit the participants. Data collection instrument was a questionnaire that took 10 minutes to fill, and included the Portuguese version of Belief into Action Scale (BIAC) to assess religious commitment. BIAC is composed of nine items and the scores ranged between 9 and 90. The data was analyzed using SPSS 23. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the institution where the study was conducted. Results: A total of 278 participants were included (females n=164, 59 %; males n=113 41%); age mean was 60.47 years old (±SD 11.59); amplitude ranged between 27 to 83; 94.4 % had a religious affiliation and the majority were Christian. The BIAC mean total score was 26.63 (±SD 12.56). However, females (Mean= 29.33, SD= ±12.47) scored higher religious commitment than males (Mean= 22.76, SD=±11.76). Cronbach Alpha was 0.85, which showed a good internal reliability. The item with the lowest score was item 3 (Mean=1.51) and the highest item 4 (Mean=6.27). Conclusions: Although the scores of religious commitment were not high, the religious and spiritual dimension of cancer patients is a crucial dimension in dealing with this life-threatening disease, especially in female patients. Healthcare providers should increase awareness of patients’ religious and spiritual practice and belief in order to promote and enhance holistic care.