Spiritual well-being in long-term survivors with chronic graft versus host disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplant

Abstract

Background Spiritual well-being (Sp-WB) is a resource that supports adaptation and resilience, strengthening quality of life (QOL) in patients with cancer or other chronic illnesses. However, the relationship between Sp-WB and QOL in patients with chronic GVHD (cGVHD) remains unexamined. Methods 52 participants completed the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – Spiritual Well-Being (FACIT-Sp) questionnaire as part of a multidisciplinary study of cGVHD. Results Sp-WB was generally high (Mean 37.06, SD 9.5). Those with the lowest Sp-WB had significantly longer time since diagnosis of cGVHD (p=0.05) than those with higher Sp-WB. There were no associations between Sp-WB and demographics, cGVHD severity, or intensity of immunosuppression. Participants with the lowest Sp-WB (N=11) reported inferior physical (p = .0009), emotional (p = .003), social (p = .027), and functional well-being (p = < 0.0001) as well as lower overall QOL (p = <0.0001) compared to those with higher Sp-WB. They also had inferior QOL (M 54.88, S.E. 4.19) relative to population norms (M=80.1, S.E. 0.55). Differences between those with the lowest and those with better Sp-WB consistently exceeded the minimal clinically significant difference for all subscales and for overall QOL. Controlling for physical, emotional and social well-being, Sp-WB was a significant independent predictor of contentment with QOL. Conclusions Our results suggest that Sp-WB is an important factor contributing to the QOL of patients with cGVHD. Research is needed to identify factors that diminish Sp-WB and to test interventions designed to strengthen this coping resource in patients experiencing the late-effects of treatment.

Associations between sex, age and spiritual well‐being scores on the EORTC QLQ‐SWB32 for patients receiving palliative care for cancer: A further analysis of data from an international validation study

“…Studies also suggest that increased physical burden of disease was associated with lower SWB (Lo, Burman, et al, 2011;Lo, Zimmermann, Gagliese, Li, & Rodin, 2011;Zimmermann et al, 2014). Finally, previous studies have identified a relationship between depression and worse spirituality and/or SWB (Costanzo, Ryff, & Singer, 2009;Gonzalez et al, 2014;Johnson et al, 2011) and low emotional and physical well-being and decreased spirituality (Harris et al, 2010).…”

Missed Opportunity: Spirituality as a Bridge to Resilience in Latinos with Cancer

“…Activities such as communing with nature, art, community, meditation, contemplation, and religious services can resonate with one’s spirituality, which is an important aspect of making meaning in one’s life (Manning 2012). Spirituality is a resource that supports adaptation and resilience to improve quality of life in patients with cancer or other chronic illnesses (Harris et al 2010). Dyer (2011) suggests that the diagnosis of cancer can precipitate spiritual reflection when faced with the possibility of death.…”

Spiritual Well-Being in Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Survivors of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

“…While many factors influence an individual’s physical, emotional and mental health, spiritual well-being has been identified as an important resource in managing the challenges of intensive cancer treatment, including HSCT. (Canada et al, 2013; Farsi, Dehghan Nayeri, & Negarandeh, 2010; Gonzalez et al, 2014; Harris et al, 2010; King, Fitchett, & Berry, 2013; Ragsdale, Hegner, Mueller, & Davies, 2014; Yanez et al, 2009). While spiritual well-being may incorporate an existential relationship with a higher power that strengthens one’s beliefs, values and life purpose, (Anandarajah & Hight, 2001; Hoffert, Henshaw, & Mvududu, 2007), spiritual well-being is distinct from religiosity, defined as a formalized belief system experienced through ritual behaviors and shared religious beliefs usually practiced in community with other individuals (Hodge, 2005; Musgrave, Allen, & Allen, 2002; Taylor, 2001).…”