Exploring the Concept of Spirituality among Patients with Chronic Illnesses: A Conventional Content Analysis Fatemeh Ebrahimi Belil1, Fatemeh Alhani2,*, Abbas Ebadi3, Kazemnejad Anoshirvan4 1Ph. D. Student, Nursing Department. Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran 2Associate Professor of Tarbiat Modares University, Nursing Faculty Tehran, IR Iran 3Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran 4Professor of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran *Corresponding author: Alhani Fatemeh, Email: alhani_f@modares.ac.ir jahant1990@gmail.com
Online published on 8 February, 2019. Abstract Background Spirituality is a complex multidimensional concept, a global phenomenon, and a main aspect of human existence. It promotes coping with problems and facilitates recovery from illnesses. Objectives This study aimed to explore the concept of spirituality among patients with chronic illnesses. Method This qualitative study was done using conventional content analysis. Participants (16 patients) were selected by purposive sampling in Medical hospitals in Iran. Data collection was performed through face-to-face semi-structured interviews and was continued until data saturation. The data were analyzed through conventional content analysis. Results Participants’ experiences of spirituality were grouped into the following four main categories: spiritual relationships; reliance on God; belief in divine foreordination and patience and thankfulness. Conclusion Spirituality among patients with chronic illnesses is to establish relationships with God, others, and self, rely on God, believe in His foreordination, tolerate difficulties with patience, and be thankful to God. Nurses can use spirituality to improve patient outcomes. Top Keywords Spirituality, Chronic illness, Relationship, Concept, Content analysis. Top |