Spiritual Beliefs Research Articles

Access to and Health Outcomes of Pediatric Solid Organ Transplantation for Indigenous Children in 4 Settler-colonial Countries: A Scoping Review.

Solid organ transplantation (SOT) is considered the optimal treatment for children with end-stage organ failure; however, increased efforts are needed to understand the gap surrounding equitable access to and health outcomes of SOT for Indigenous children. This scoping review summarizes the literature on the characteristics of access to and health outcomes of pediatric SOT among Indigenous children in the settler-colonial states of Canada, Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. A search was performed on MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL for studies matching preestablished eligibility criteria from inception to November 2021. A preliminary gray literature search was also conducted. Twenty-four studies published between 1996 and 2021 were included. Studies addressed Indigenous pediatric populations within the United States (n = 7), Canada (n = 6), Aotearoa New Zealand (n = 5), Australia (n = 5), and Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia combined (n = 1). Findings showed that Indigenous children experienced longer time on dialysis, lower rates of preemptive and living donor kidney transplantation, and disparities in patient and graft outcomes after kidney transplantation. There were mixed findings about access to liver transplantation for Indigenous children and comparable findings for graft and patient outcomes after liver transplantation. Social determinants of health, such as geographic remoteness, lack of living donors, and traditional spiritual beliefs, may affect SOT access and outcomes for Indigenous children. Evidence gaps emphasize the need for action-based initiatives within SOT that prioritize research with and for Indigenous pediatric populations. Future research should include community-engaged methodologies, situated within local community contexts, to inform culturally safe care for Indigenous children.

A Qualitative Study on Nurses' Experiences Working in Burn Units in South Punjab, Pakistan.

Background: Nurses play an integral role in the multidisciplinary team managing care for burn patients. Their unique insights and experiences in such high-stress environments are crucial yet often underexplored. This study aims to illuminate the challenges and experiences of nurses in burn units within tertiary care hospitals in South Punjab, Pakistan. Objective: To explore and document the experiences of nurses working in burn units, focusing on the challenges they face and the coping mechanisms they employ. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in 2022 using purposeful sampling to select 16 nurses from burn units at tertiary care hospitals in South Punjab, Pakistan. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes and sub-themes. Results: Analysis of the interview data revealed four main themes and sixteen sub-themes. The main themes identified were Workload, Spiritual Beliefs in Patient Care, Nursing Education Services in Hospitals, and Work-Life Balance. These themes encompass the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges faced by nurses, as well as their educational needs and the impact of their work on personal life. Conclusion: Nurses in burn units encounter numerous challenges that affect both their professional duties and personal lives. There is a critical need for better support structures, including modern facilities, continuous training, and more attentive administrative practices. Enhancements such as increased staffing, unit rotation, and provisions for financial and motivational incentives are necessary to improve care for burn patients and support the well-being of nurses.

Why religion and spirituality are important in human biological research.

The study of human biology includes exploration of all the genetic and environmental influences on human variation and life history, including impacts of sociocultural and physical environments. Religious practice and spirituality may be one of these influences. There are more than 5.8 billion religiously affiliated adults and children, accounting for 84% of the world's 6.9 billion people. Furthermore, 70% of Americans consider themselves spiritual in some way, including 22% who do not consider themselves religious, and the numbers for Europe are lower but proportionally similar. Such a high rate of religious affiliation and spiritual belief suggests that religion and spirituality could be sociocultural influences on human variation, but human biologists have scarcely attended to their impacts, as indicated by the limited numbers of relevant articles in the two flagship human biology journals. In this article, we discuss why human biologists may have overlooked this important force for human variability and highlight foundational work from human biology and other disciplines that can give our colleagues directions forward. We review the impacts of religion and spirituality at population and individual levels and call for human biologists to attend to the many aspects of religion and spirituality that can impact human biology and are much more than simply influences of denominational affiliation.

Co-designing strategies to improve advance care planning among people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds with cancer: iCanCarePlan study protocol

BackgroundAdvance care planning (ACP) describes the process of supporting individuals at any age or stage of health to consider and share their personal values, life goals, and preferences regarding future health care. Engaging in ACP is associated with better-quality of care in which people receive care in lines with their wishes, values and preferences. Direct translations of ACP guides and resources do not attend to the considerable inter- and intra-ethnic variations in cultural and religious or spiritual beliefs that shape preferences among people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. ICanCarePlan is a three-year project that aims to determine the prevalence of ACP documentation among people from CALD backgrounds with cancer, identify resources available and their use to support ACP among CALD communities, identify barriers and facilitators of person-centred ACP, and to develop, through co-design with consumers and clinicians, approaches that enhance the process ACP for people from CALD backgrounds.MethodA mixed-method sequential approach will be used comprising of four studies. Study one is retrospective medical record review of approximately 1500 medical records to establish the prevalence of ACP documentation among CALD patient records in cancer services. Study two is a document analysis synthesising the resources available in the Australian health system to support ACP. Study three is a qualitative study with healthcare staff and consumers to explore barriers and enablers of person-centred ACP. Evidence generated from studies one to three will inform the conduct of co-design with stakeholders to develop approaches to improve ACP processes among CALD communities. Language, technical and financial support for meaningful involvement with consumers from CALD backgrounds throughout this project is outlined. A plan for distress management is also made due to sensitive nature of the topic. The research project has also established a project steering group consisting of three consumer members who are from CALD backgrounds.DiscussionThe project will address a national priority issue for a growing population of CALD communities in Australia. The project will provide novel evidence of ACP among CALD communities and novel strategies developed with stakeholders to enhance uptake and experiences of ACP.

Patterns and predictors of symptom burden and posttraumatic growth among patients with cancer: a latent profile analysis.

The study identified different patterns of symptom burden and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among patients with cancer and to explored the effects of sociodemographic, disease-related, and family resilience factors, which could provide reference for the development of personalized nursing measures. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 329 patients with cancer who were undergoing treatment. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to explore the patterns of symptom burden and PTG among patients with cancer, and multiple logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of different patterns. Based on the fit indicators of LPA, a three-class pattern model of posttraumatic responses was shown to be optimal, including resisting, struggling, and growth groups. In the resisting group (34.34%), patients reported low symptom burden and low PTG; in the struggling group (19.15%), patients showed a high symptom burden and moderate PTG; in the growth group (46.51%), patients showed low symptom burden and high PTG. Moreover, patients with cancer with high levels of family resilience were more likely to fall into the struggling and growth groups. Specifically, those with lower scores in the optimistic attitude and higher scores in the family and social support dimension of family resilience were more likely to fall into the struggling group, whereas those with lower scores in the transcendence and spiritual belief dimensions of family resilience were more likely to fall into the resisting group. Additionally, patients with at least three children were more likely to fall into the struggling group. This study showed heterogeneity in symptom burden and PTG patterns among patients with cancer. Patients' growth must include both psychological growth and the mitigated symptom burden. Family factors may be intervention targets to improve the growth patterns.

Understanding the root of healing and beyond: Exploring the way forward for Alternative Medicine in Nigeria

Complementary and alternative medicine involves medical practices rooted in traditional methods such as herbal remedies and spiritual beliefs. Historical factors influence the practice of alternative medicine in Nigeria. This study examines cultural perceptions, practices, challenges, and integration strategies for alternative medicine in the Nigerian healthcare system. Nigeria, with a population of over 200 million, faces significant health challenges, necessitating robust healthcare systems. Despite having over 80,000 registered doctors, there is a low doctor-to-population ratio of 4,000 to 5,000 people per doctor. Traditional healers practicing under partial regulation significantly contribute to healthcare delivery by using indigenous herbal and spiritual therapies. Challenges in integrating alternative medicine include standardization, limited scientific evidence, stigma, funding constraints, and barriers to access of services . Integration efforts involve creating inclusive healthcare systems that combine traditional and modern approaches, prioritize equitable access, and respect for cultural diversity, developing standardized training, generating scientific evidence, and increasing public awareness. Collaboration among stakeholders, such as healers, healthcare providers, policymakers, researchers, and communities, is essential for successful integration and improved healthcare outcomes. The Nigerian healthcare system can benefit from integrating alternative medicine and promoting holistic and culturally sensitive practices. Overcoming these challenges requires cooperation, evidence-based strategies, and investments in research, leading to more effective healthcare delivery, improved health outcomes, and reduced disparities nationwide. Countries on integration journeys should prioritize collaboration, establish clear regulations, raise public awareness, and invest in research to support the effectiveness and safety of alternative medicine.

The Intricate Tapestry of Toraja Spirituality: An Exploration of Animism, Ancestor Veneration, and Symbolic Rituals

This study aims to explore the complex spiritual belief system and ritual practices of the Toraja people through a qualitative research design. Aligned with the study's objective of unraveling the multifaceted layers of ritual and understanding the connections between tradition and modernity, an ethnographic approach is employed. Researchers immerse themselves in the Toraja community to gain a deep understanding of cultural practices, beliefs, and values. This immersive experience involves participant observation and engagement with community members. In-depth interviews with key informants, such as elders or individuals knowledgeable about the ma’nene’ or corpse preservation tradition, provide insights into cultural nuances, symbolism, and changes over time. Audio-visual documentation, including recording rituals, interviews, and cultural events, enriches the study's depth and authenticity. Thematic analysis identifies and analyzes themes related to the ma’nene’ tradition, such as cultural preservation and the role of ritual in shaping collective identity. The discourse surrounding the ma’nene’ tradition reflects a complex spiritual belief system and ritual practices of the Toraja people, blending elements of animism, ancestor veneration, and a deep connection to the natural landscape. Specific items in offerings and their ritualistic consumption highlight the importance of symbolic actions in religious ceremonies. These findings extend beyond academic curiosity, impacting cultural appreciation, academic research, interfaith relations, and cultural heritage preservation positively. Through this comprehensive exploration, the study contributes to a deeper understanding and appreciation of Toraja spirituality and culture.

Cultural Parallels and Unique Features Kyrgyz and Native Americans: Comparative Analysis

This paper examines the cultural parallels and unique features of Kyrgyz people and Native Americans, shedding light on the remarkable similarities and differences that define these two distinct indigenous groups. Using an interdisciplinary approach, this study examines the historical, social, and cultural aspects of both Native Americans and Kyrgyz, seeking to unravel the complexity of their traditions, beliefs, and practices. The study reveals striking parallels between spiritual beliefs and reverence for nature that are deeply rooted in both cultures. The symbolic significance of animals, the spiritual connection to the earth, and the practice of traditional healing techniques reflect a shared appreciation of the natural world and a harmonious relationship with the environment. Moreover, oral traditions and stories from both groups serve as vital channels for preserving cultural heritage and passing ancestral wisdom from one generation to the next. On the other hand, the unique traits of each culture are revealed through the study of their artistic expressions, linguistic diversity and social structures. The nomadic heritage of the Kyrgyz has shaped their customs and folklore, while the diverse linguistic traditions and artistic skills of Native American tribes demonstrate the richness of their cultural traditions. In addition, the impact of historical and contemporary influences on both groups is examined to elucidate the resilience and adaptation of their cultural identities. The enduring legacy of colonialism and the persistence of indigenous knowledge in the face of contemporary challenges provide a critical backdrop for understanding the dynamic nature of Native American and Kyrgyz cultures. By contrasting these cultural characteristics, this comparative analysis aims to foster a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of global indigenous communities while respecting the distinctiveness of their heritage. Ultimately, this study aims to stimulate intercultural dialogue and promote mutual understanding by highlighting the richness of human diversity and the enduring spirit of resilience of indigenous peoples.

Socio-cultural beliefs and perceptions influencing diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer among women in Ghana: a systematic review

BackgroundBreast cancer is currently the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Ghana and the leading cause of cancer mortality among women. Few published empirical evidence exist on cultural beliefs and perceptions about breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in Ghana. This systematic review sought to map evidence on the socio-cultural beliefs and perceptions influencing the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer among Ghanaian women.MethodsThis review was conducted following the methodological guideline of Joanna Briggs Institute and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses. The literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL via EBSCOhost, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Embase. Studies that were conducted on cultural, religious, and spiritual beliefs were included. The included studies were screened by title, abstract, and full text by three reviewers. Data were charted and results were presented in a narrative synthesis form.ResultsAfter the title, abstract, and full-text screening, 15 studies were included. Three categories were identified after the synthesis of the charted data. The categories included: cultural, religious and spiritual beliefs and misconceptions about breast cancer. The cultural beliefs included ancestral punishment and curses from the gods for wrongdoing leading to breast cancer. Spiritual beliefs about breast cancer were attributed to spiritual or supernatural forces. People had the religious belief that breast cancer is a test from God and they resorted to prayers for healing. Some women perceived that breast cancer is caused by spider bites, heredity, extreme stress, trauma, infections, diet, or lifestyle.ConclusionThis study adduces evidence of the socio-cultural beliefs that impact on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer among women in Ghana. Taking into consideration the diverse cultural and traditional beliefs about breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, there is a compelling need to intensify nationwide public education on breast cancer to clarify the myths and misconceptions about the disease. We recommend the need to incorporate socio-cultural factors influencing breast cancer diagnosis and treatment into breast cancer awareness programs, education, and interventions in Ghana.

Spiritual issues, beliefs, needs, and resources in palliative healthcare providers: An Italian qualitative study.

The significance of spirituality in navigating the meaning of illness and death has been well-established. However, healthcare professionals working with palliation also grapple with their own spiritual dimensions when confronted with these circumstances. This study aimed to explore spirituality from a subjective standpoint among a sample of palliative care professionals, investigating its role and associated needs. For the first time, the FICA Spiritual History Tool was applied in a focus group setting. The meetings were transcribed, and thematic analysis was performed. The findings underscore how spirituality is perceived as more relational than transcendent, potentially fostering connections between the self, patients, and colleagues, thereby enhancing resilience. Simultaneously, spirituality needs to be considered as a potential source of suffering that could impact both the quality of life and work of healthcare workers involved. This issue should be addressed through dedicated moments of shared reprocessing, with beneficial implications for public health.

Exploring the unmet needs and experiences of informal caregivers of patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) receiving haemodialysis - a qualitative study.

Patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) receiving haemodialysis experience multiple symptoms, which can present physical and emotional challenges for both patients and their informal caregivers. Caregivers can experience anxiety, depression, and social isolation negatively impacting their overall wellbeing and resulting in caregiver burden. The needs of this group of caregivers have been largely neglected, with little emphasis placed on supportive interventions that might assist and support them in their caring role. The aim of this study Is to explore the unmet needs and experiences of caregivers of patients with ESKD receiving haemodialysis, and to determine the components of a supportive intervention. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews (n = 24) with informal caregivers. An interpretive qualitative framework was employed to generate a rich understanding of the unmet needs and experiences of caregivers. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and data management was assisted through NVIVO version 11. Twenty-four informal caregivers were purposively recruited from two haemodialysis settings within Northern Ireland. Three themes were identified: (1) The negative impact of distress, anxiety, and isolation on caregivers due to their caregiving responsibilities (2) Inadequate information and knowledge about the complexities of renal care (3) The benefits of spiritual beliefs, stress management and peer support in relieving the caregiving burden. Caregivers of patients with ESKD receiving haemodialysis are at increased risk of physical and psychological distress and burden arising from their caregiving role. The unpredictable nature of ESKD and haemodialysis treatment negatively impacts the caregiver experience and adds to the challenges of the role. The information needs of caregivers are not always adequately met and they subsequently lack appropriate knowledge, skills, and guidance to assist them in their caregiving role. Supportive interventions are essential for caregivers to enhance their capability to deliver effective care and improve their quality of life.

The Intersectionality of Conflicts in Micronesia and Hawaii: Through My Eyes

Born to two aliens, who each suppose that we do not belong, I roamed the seemingly unfamiliar landscapes of Hawaiʻi– desperately searching for a place and a voice. I only ask for one thing: accept me as I am, I certainly do come in peace. Born in Hawaiʻi and raised by an alienated family, I was exposed to a number of unique and distinct cultures: Samoans and Tongans performed their own versions of the Haka, Filipinos served their popular chicken adobo dish, and Hawaiians gathered around the lūʻau. Despite being exposed to the unique cultures of Samoans, Tongans, Filipinos, and Hawaiians, I struggled to find a sense of belonging. I felt as though my voice and my culture were not fit to the local kine way of Hawaiʻi. Enveloped by the rich traditions of the islands, I found myself in a paradoxical position– I was surrounded by the vibrant tapestry of Oceanic cultures, yet I felt like an outsider, a mere observer amidst the diversity. To many, I was labeled as a cockroach, a derogatory term used to disparage Micronesians due to their perceived rapid population growth in Hawaiʻi. Micronesians, since migrating to Hawaiʻi starting in the late 1980s, are considered to be a fairly new ethnic group. For that reason, we are often misidentified and tossed into other Pacific islander categories. Worst of all, we are often harassed for being too different. This discrimination and harassment only grew worse as time went on, which amplified the already difficult challenge of finding a place and a voice in Hawaiʻi. As a result, I grew up not only as a young child dealing with challenges, but also as a young indigenous youth desperately seeking for acceptance amidst the tumultuous waves of cultural diversity in Hawaiʻi. Sylvia Elias, an advocate for Micronesians from the island of Pohnpei, explored the geographical, physical, and historical context of Micronesia in Chapter 12 of their book titled Global Indigenous Youth: Through Their Eyes. Her narrative delved into the common values, beliefs, and practices shared across the Micronesia region and touched on aspects of gender roles, economic disparity, social pressures, resilience to trauma, the connection with nature, and a deep-rooted spiritual belief system1. The narrative and insights gained from Elias’ chapter point to the urgent need for greater cultural understanding and inclusion in multicultural societies. For indigenous youths, especially those in diasporic communities like Micronesians in Hawaiʻi, these challenges are multifaceted and involve not just cultural preservation but also the struggle against discrimination and for societal acceptance. To shed a more interpretive light on this issue, I will build off of Elias’ narrative and connect the themes of her text to my own experiences as a Chuukese boy that grew up in Hawaiʻi.

A Symbolic and Ritualistic Exposition of Purification Rites in the Old Testament

This article explores the intricate tapestry of symbolic and ritualistic elements interwoven in the purification rites of the Old Testament. Elucidating the ancient religious practises of the Israelites, this scholarly exposition unravels the profound significance and ethnological underpinnings of purification rituals as documented in sacred or biblical narratives. The Old Testament, a cornerstone of Judeo-Christian tradition, provides a rich repository of symbolic expressions and rituals designed to purify individuals and communities from impurities and sins. Through a meticulous scrutinisation of biblical references and historical context, this article unmasks the multifaceted interplay between symbolism and ritual in the Old Testament. To do this, symbolic and ritualistic theoretical frameworks are applied to the discourse. The findings and discussion show that the performative dimensions of purification rites highlight the importance of collective participation in spiritual purification, bolstering the communal responsibility for maintaining ritual purity. By navigating through the layers of symbolism and ritual, this scholarly discourse endeavours to offer a comprehensive understanding of how purification rituals serve as a profound expression of the Israelite religious philosophy, configuring their cultural identity and spiritual belief systems.

The Significance of SWOT Analysis in Enhancing Christian Religious Education: A Comprehensive Examination

Education stands as a dynamic force in human and societal development, continually evolving to meet shifting demands and needs. In this modern era marked by rapid transformations, the importance of keeping education abreast with the times cannot be overstated. One effective tool for rejuvenating and advancing education is the SWOT analysis. SWOT analysis, encapsulating Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, transcends its traditional business applications to offer profound insights in diverse domains, including education. In the realm of Christian Religious Education (CRE), a critical aspect of the educational landscape, SWOT analysis unveils avenues for both refinement and growth. This paper explores the application of SWOT analysis in the context of CRE, acknowledging its pivotal role in shaping individual character, values, and spiritual beliefs. Tracing the historical trajectory of CRE from ancient churches to contemporary times, the analysis underscores the foundational principles upon which CRE stands. Within the framework of CRE, SWOT analysis serves as a potent tool to discern existing dynamics and chart future trajectories. By identifying internal strengths such as robust faith traditions and biblically grounded curricula, opportunities for enriching CRE education emerge. Simultaneously, weaknesses such as resource constraints and technological integration challenges highlight areas ripe for improvement. Furthermore, SWOT analysis illuminates potential opportunities for CRE advancement, including technological integration and policy shifts. However, it also unveils threats such as societal value shifts and information overload that impede effective CRE delivery. In navigating these dynamics, effective educational management emerges as paramount. Without strategic oversight and management, the pursuit of excellence in CRE remains elusive. Hence, this study delves into the pivotal role of educational management in fostering the quality and efficacy of CRE. Utilizing an analytical methodology, this research delves deep into existing literature and textual sources to unravel insights and generate new knowledge. Through systematic analysis and interpretation, this study seeks to enrich the discourse on CRE and underscore the imperative of strategic planning and management. In conclusion, SWOT analysis emerges as a cornerstone in the enhancement of CRE. By systematically evaluating internal dynamics and external trends, SWOT analysis paves the way for informed decision-making and strategic interventions. Thus, this paper advocates for the systematic integration of SWOT analysis in CRE, heralding a new era of excellence and relevance in religious education.

Enhancing Employee Well-Being and Productivity in Evolving Work Environments

The evolving nature of work environments has led to an increasing emphasis on holistic employee development, recognizing the importance of emotional well-being, spiritual values, restoration, and motivation in the workplace. Research shows that emotional intelligence, workplace spirituality, emotional regulation, and emotional interdependence influence employee well-being and productivity. Spiritual values provide meaning, purpose, interconnectedness, and community, supporting performance. Restoration through natural environments and restorative practices enhances well-being and motivation. Employee engagement involves intrinsic factors like meaningful work, extrinsic factors like rewards, organizational support, work-life balance, training and development, recognition, job design, and organizational culture. Strategies for diverse spiritual beliefs include inclusive policies, nourishing spirit at work, managing beliefs, open expression, humanistic environment, accommodating demands, and studying experiences. Promoting work-life balance involves flexible policies, wellness support, arrangements, connections, formal and informal support, empowerment, family-friendly policies, and assessments. Rest, rejuvenation, and leisure contribute to health, reduced stress, productivity, and motivation. Motivational factors for engagement include intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, organizational support, work-life balance, training and development, recognition, job design, and culture. Received: 12 February 2024 / Accepted: 19 April 2024 / Published: 5 May 2024

Abstract PO1-12-01: 'Not even my husband knows that I have this [breast cancer]': Survivors’ Experiences in Accessing, Navigating and Coping with Treatment

Abstract Purpose: Nigeria has the highest breast cancer (BC) burden in Africa. While the survival rates for BC are over 90% in many high-income countries; low-and middle-income countries like Nigeria have 40% BC survival rates. Prior studies show that the burden and poor BC survival rates are exacerbated by both health system and individual level factors, yet there is a paucity of literature on the experiences of BC survivors in Nigeria. Hence, this study explored BC survivors' divergent and convergent experiences in accessing, navigating, and coping with treatment. Methods: Participants (N=24, aged 35 to 73 years) were recruited and engaged in focus group discussions (Group 1, n = 11; Group 2, n = 13 participants). Transcripts were transcribed verbatim and analyzed with inductive thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were identified: “I am carrying this [breast cancer] alone”, “Living my life”, “‘God’ helped me”, and “A very painful journey”. Participants described how they concealed their BC diagnosis from family and significant others while accessing and navigating BC treatment. Also, they adopted spiritual beliefs as a coping mechanism while sticking to their treatment and acknowledging the burden of BC on their wellbeing. Conclusions: Our findings point to the urgent need for improved BC treatment facilities in Nigeria. Implications for Breast Cancer Survivors: Nigeria BC survivors are navigating both limited treatment facilities and coping with the personal challenges of BC diagnosis. There is a need for the government and clinicians to explore innovative technologies in improving BC treatment experiences in Nigeria. Citation Format: Runcie C.W. Chidebe, Tochukwu C. Orjiakor, Gloria C. Okwu, Mary-Gloria A. Orji, THEODORA Nwosu-Zita, Agha A. Agha, Simeon C. Aruah, Chika Okem-Akwiwu, Candidus C. Nwakasi, Akwasi Adjei Gyimah, Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, Ifeoma J. Okoye, Darlingtina K. Esiaka. 'Not even my husband knows that I have this [breast cancer]': Survivors’ Experiences in Accessing, Navigating and Coping with Treatment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO1-12-01.

Religion, Faith, and Spiritual Beliefs in Documented Goals of Care Conversations Following Acute Stroke (RP109)

Religion, Faith, and Spiritual Beliefs in Documented Goals of Care Conversations Following Acute Stroke (RP109)

"If we don't forgive, it's like holding on to them": A qualitative study of religious and spiritual coping on psychological recovery in older crime victims.

There is growing need to strengthen support for older crime victims. We aimed to explore spiritual and/or religious (S/R) beliefs in a sample of older victims and understand how this shapes psychological responding and coping with crime. Qualitative study with supplementary descriptive statistics nested within a clinical trial. We explored psychological responding and coping in-depth through semistructured interviews with 27 older victims of police-reported crime, purposefully sampled to achieve maximum variation. We inductively analyzed data using a reflexive thematic analysis. We assessed the breadth of S/R beliefs in a large sample (N = 402) of initially distressed older victims using an abbreviated version of The Royal Free Interview for Spiritual Beliefs. We assessed continued psychological distress using the two-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Patient Health Questionnaire 3 months postcrime. Over two-thirds (67%) identified as S/R, but psychological distress scores were similar, irrespective of religiosity. Our qualitative analysis suggests that crime may impact religious identity or practice in some older victims (hate crime) but influences attitudes or coping in others. Positive coping included acceptance, forgiveness, and/or turning to prayer or faith communities. Negative coping included fixation on retribution, superstition, perceived abandonment by God, or an inability to accommodate the crime within their beliefs, amplifying psychological distress. Understanding the psychological impact on older crime victims is enhanced by clarifying the role of S/R. Further research, especially on non-Christian religious victims, is needed. Cultural awareness training for trauma counselors and trauma awareness training for faith leaders is recommended. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Peran Tradisi Wetonan dalam Menjaga Identitas Budaya Masyarakat Adat Jawa

The wetonan tradition is a birth calculation system based on the Javanese calendar, a cultural heritage of the Javanese indigenous people that is rich in spiritual values and local wisdom. In this context, the wetonan tradition is not only a series of ceremonies or astrological calculations, but also a cultural heritage that includes local wisdom values and spiritual beliefs that have been passed down from generation to generation. In the current era of globalization, the wetonan tradition is faced with various challenges that threaten its survival. Changes in people’s attitudes and mindsets, urbanization, and doubts about traditional values are some of the main challenges. Shifting values and priorities in society, changes in value and belief systems, and doubts about the role of tradition in the era of globalization are some of the main challenges. However, preserving the wetonan tradition is crucial to maintaining a rich and diverse cultural identity and strengthening the solidarity of Javanese indigenous communities. To maintain and face the challenges of the wetonan tradition remaining relevant and valued by the community, concrete steps are needed. In facing this challenge, it is important to continue to educate the public about the cultural and spiritual values contained in the wetonan tradition, as well as to replant these values to strengthen the sustainability of the wetonan tradition amid the ongoing flow of modernization and globalization. Thus, the wetonan tradition can continue to live and develop as an integral part of the cultural identity of Javanese society. The preservation of this tradition not only ensures the continuity of a rich cultural heritage, but also strengthens solidarity and togetherness in Javanese indigenous communities. Therefore, measures to maintain and preserve the wetonan tradition need to be continuously strengthened to ensure that this cultural heritage remains alive and relevant for future generations.

Spirituality, Religiosity and Personal Beliefs for a Sustainable Healthy Ageing

Spirituality, Religiosity and Personal Beliefs for a Sustainable Healthy Ageing