Spiritual distress of patients living with cancer in Northern Vietnam

Abstract

Background: Literature on the spirituality of cancer patients has been mainly focused on the experiences of western patients. Few studies explore the experience of Asian cancer patients, while no spiritual study on cancer patients has been conducted in Vietnam.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to survey the spiritual distress of cancer patients at two general hospitals in northern Vietnam.

Methods: This was a quantitative survey with a cross-sectional design. This study used purposive sampling with a fitting the inclusion criteria, alongside the Spiritual Distress Scale-Vietnam version (SDS-V). The data was collected by an investigator in two general hospitals in northern Vietnam. The study received approval from two research councils.

Results: The results demonstrated that the demographics of cancer patients in the study reflected the national data of Vietnam. Regarding the four exploratory dimensions, more than 50% of cancer patients expressed feeling hardship and sorrow, most did not feel loneliness, most patients reported a good relationship with others and God, while the majority of were afraid to discuss death.

Conclusions: Due to impact of aging and poverty on the sample patients, further studies into the interconnectivity between economics and the spiritual health status of patients is recommended. Additionally, since the 132 Vietnamese cancer patients reported a positive relationship with others and God, healthcare professionals should study effective strategies to apply the above strengths in easing hardships for future cancer patients.

Keywords: cancer; patient care; relationship with death; spiritual distress.