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. 2012 Sep;29(6):449-54.
doi: 10.1177/1049909111428607. Epub 2011 Nov 21.

Changes in spirituality and quality of life in patients undergoing radiation therapy

Bethany T Samuelson  1 , Erik K Fromme, Charles R Thomas Jr
Affiliations

Changes in spirituality and quality of life in patients undergoing radiation therapy

Bethany T Samuelson et al. Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2012 Sep.

Abstract

Purpose: Investigations into the role of spirituality in cancer confirm the association of good spiritual well-being with many positive outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate potential changes in spirituality over the course of radiation therapy (RT).

Patients and materials: The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual questionnaire measuring spiritual well-being and quality of life (QOL) was administered to adult patients undergoing RT. Scores were compared using student t tests and chi-square analysis.

Results: Despite statistically significant declines in QOL measures such as physical well-being (P < .001) and overall well-being (P < .001), no significant changes were noted in spirituality for all comers. A significant increase in the Sp-12 spirituality measure (P = .001) was noted in patients with breast cancer, independent of age, gender, and purpose of treatment. Sp-12 scores were positively correlated with overall QOL scores (P < .001).

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Changes in FACIT-Sp scale and subscale measures between treatment initiation and completion. * Statistically Significant Change † Change is within or above the minimally important difference range (MID) ‡ No previously calculated MID available
Figure 2
Figure 2
Changes in FACIT-Sp scale and subscale measures between treatment initiation and completion, differences between patients with breast cancer and those with other diseases are demonstrated. * Statistically Significant Change † No previously calculated MID available
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