Determining the spiritual well-being of patients with spinal cord injury.

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to determine the spiritual belief levels of patients with spinal cord injury as well as to examine the socio-demographic factors that affect their spiritual beliefs.

DESIGN: This study was designed as a descriptive study.

SETTING: The physical therapy and rehabilitation unit of a city Education and Research hospital.

PARTICIPANTS: All patients over the age of 18 years who have had spinal cord injuries.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Data for the study were collected using a questionnaire and the FACIT-Spiritual Well-Being Scale.

RESULTS: People with SCI in the eastern region of Turkey demonstrate moderately high levels of spiritual well-being. A significant correlation was identified between socio-demographic characteristics, such as age, marital status, level of income, status of receiving care, and duration of diagnosis, and the spiritual well-being of patients with spinal cord injury. While previous studies have been conducted in Christian communities, the current study was the first to be conducted in a Turkish (primarily Muslim) community. Therefore, the current study will significantly contribute to the literature an explanation of the spiritual well-being of patients with spinal cord injuries in Muslim communities.

CONCLUSIONS: Degree of spiritual well-being in Turkey is similar to other regions studied to date. Spiritual well-being is important in coping with the physical, social, economic, and emotional problems experienced by patients after a spinal cord injury. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to support the spiritual needs of their patients.