The concept of spirituality in the context of Chinese patients with cancer: A scoping review.

Abstract

To elucidate how the concept of spirituality has been addressed in studies with Chinese people with cancer. A scoping review. Patterns in conceptual definitions of spirituality and indicators for measuring spirituality were analysed. Literature published from inception to August 2022 was searched in five electronic databases (CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO and a Chinese database). Using data from 10 qualitative studies, a new taxonomy of concepts of spirituality among Chinese people with cancer was derived, consisting of four categories: Creation of meaning, Connection, Transcendence and Existence. A total of 12 instruments developed outside of Chinese contexts and used to measure dimensions of spirituality across 27 quantitative studies were compared to the taxonomy developed in this review, and patterns were identified according to the dimensions of spirituality. Several instruments required modifications or additional explanations in questions regarding God/Higher Power and religion. The four categories of spirituality classified in the current review are considered universal across all cultural contexts. Spirituality is multidimensional and functional concept, and the components of the instruments differed depending on which dimension of spirituality was being measured. The findings of this study suggest that for measuring spirituality in research and clinical settings with Chinese people with cancer, it is important to use culturally appropriate scales that are consistent with the dimensions of spirituality being measured. Even instruments developed outside of the Chinese context could be used for Chinese people with cancer if appropriately selected for their intended use. This paper adheres to the EQUATOR guidelines and has no direct patient or public contribution.