Spiritual Interventions Research Articles

Spiritual therapy’s impact on death anxiety in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Recently, spirituality-based interventions for modulating death anxiety in both unhealthy and healthy individuals have increased. However, the effectiveness of this treatment approach in reducing death anxiety remains controversial. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the impact of spiritual therapy interventions on death anxiety in Iran. We searched for all randomised and controlled trials related to the research topic in national and international databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Wiley, Taylor & Francis, ScienceDirect, SID, Civilica, IranDoc and Noormags. Fifteen studies with 772 participants that were found relevant and fulfilled the defined exclusion and inclusion criteria were included in the analyses. Stata 17 software was used to analyse the data. The results showed a significant difference between the average death anxiety scores in the experimental and control groups after receiving spiritual therapy (standardised mean difference = –5.97, 95% confidence interval: –9.51, –2.44). In addition, the results of the Q and I2 tests indicated significant heterogeneity among the studies (p < 0.001; Q = 411.45; I2 = 99.50%). Thus, although the findings show that interventions based on spiritual therapy can reduce death anxiety, the high heterogeneity and publication bias of some trials limit the validity and generalisability of their effects. The findings of this meta-analysis will help in elucidating the effectiveness of spiritual therapy and open new horizons for this therapeutic approach for psychologists, counsellors and educational planners, thereby creating a relative consensus between advocates and critics of therapeutic spirituality.

Spirituality in Professional Patient-Centered Care for Adults with Primary Brain Tumors: An Exploratory Scoping Review.

People with primary brain tumors face spiritual challenges due to neuro-cognitive disturbances such as aphasia and rapid neurological deterioration. This scoping review aimed to map the evidence regarding professional spiritual care in this neuro-oncological population. The literature search was conducted utilizing two databases (PubMed, CINAHL) and two peer-reviewed journals ('Spiritual Care', 'Journal of Religion and Health'). In total, 27 studies were analyzed, and five thematic categories were identified: (1) spiritual needs, (2) integrating the spiritual dimension in care, (3) spiritual care generalist interventions, (4) spiritual care specialist interventions, (5) assessments. Early integration of spiritual care and specific training are important.

Healing through faith: Meeting a chaplain coupled with biblical readings could produce lymphocyte changes that correlate with brain activity (HEALING study)

Background Faith and belief systems impact the emotional as well as immunological states of believers in ways that we are just beginning to understand. However, the clinical implications of prior studies are limited. The aim of the HEALING (Hospital-based Ecumenical and Linguistic Immuno-NeuroloGic) study is to examine immunological and neurological changes in hospitalized patients after meeting with a chaplain coupled with the study of biblical readings. Methods Hospitalized patients were pre-screened to identify those who were most in need of a spiritual intervention. A passage from the Bible was read to them during a meeting with the chaplain at bedside (n = 20) or in the chapel (n = 18). No meeting occurred in the randomized control group (n = 19). Blood samples were obtained 30 min prior and 60 min after the meeting to measure white blood cell (WBC) count, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgA, IgG, and complement 3 (C3). A subgroup of the visited patients was subjected to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), during which they listened to an audiotape of readings of the same biblical passage (n = 21). Results Immunological changes were not significant. Conversely, a significant (pfwe = 0.003) correlation was observed between lymphocyte changes and activation of the angular gyrus (left BA39) during fMRI, a brain area involved in word recognition. Conclusions This article contributes to the relevant literature by helping to create a realistic picture of the possibilities of neuroimmune modulation in clinical practice. Compared to healthy volunteers, the extent of short-term neuroimmunomodulation becomes narrower in a clinical setting. Although limited by the sample size and cohort study design, the findings suggest that the depth of psycho-immunological changes could depend on the degree to which the chaplain’s main message is understood.

Effectiveness of spiritual care interventions among patients in the intensive care unit: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Spiritual care interventions can be an important source of emotional support for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, there is wide variation in the literature and no quantitative assessment to synthesize the results of these studies. To examine the effectiveness of spiritual care interventions on disease-related physiological parameter and treatment outcomes and psychosocial well-being outcomes among patients in the ICU. A comprehensive search was conducted across 11 databases from inception to 27 May 2024. Studies involving the implementation of spiritual care interventions for patients in the ICU were included. Cochrane's bias risk tool and JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist were used to examine the methodological quality of included studies. Review Manager 5.3 was used to conduct meta-analyses. A total of 18 studies were included. Meta-analysis showed that spiritual care interventions could significantly reduce mean arterial pressure (MAP) (MD: -12.12, 95% CI: [-23.68, -0.56], p = .04), length of stay in the ICU (MD: -5.49, 95% CI: [-8.99, -2.00], p = .002), and improved consciousness (MD: 3.91, 95% CI: [1.42, 6.39], p = .002), anxiety (SMD: -1.78, 95% CI: [-3.06, -0.50], p = .006), spiritual well-being (SMD: 1.57, 95% CI: [0.05, 3.08], p = .04) and comfort (MD: 15.53, 95% CI: [10.81, 20.25], p < .01) among patients in the ICU, but had no significant effects on heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), pulse rate (PR), blood pressure (BP), oxygen saturation (SpO2), duration of ventilator use and pain. Spiritual care interventions could reduce MAP and length of stay in the ICU; improve consciousness, anxiety, spiritual well-being and comfort among patients in the ICU; and are still inconclusive for HR, RR, PR, BP, SpO2, duration of ventilator use and pain. Urgent efforts are needed to better integrate spiritual care interventions into clinical care to enhance patient well-being. Spiritual care interventions could improve well-being of patients in the ICU.

The Application of Dhikr Spiritual Therapy to Reduce Signs of Risk of Violent Behavior in the Mawar Room at dr. Radjiman Wediodiningrat Hospital

The risk of violent behavior is a condition when an individual will endanger the safety of himself, others, family, community, because of his aggressive behavior. Spiritual dhikr therapy is a therapy that can help reduce signs and symptoms of the risk of violent behavior because when patients listen to reading the Al-Qur’an it can reduce stress hormones, increase feelings of relaxation and divert attention from fear, anxiety and tension. This study aims to apply how to apply spiritual dhikr killing treatment therapy in patients at risk of violent behavior. The method employed is through a case study research design using 5 nursing processes. The patients accept the implementation of nursing strategies to cotrol violent behavior using physical, drug, verbal and spiritual means. Interventions for clients with a risk of violent behavior are adjusted to violent behavior implementation strategies (SP) and then receive additional non-pharmacological therapy in the form of spiritual dhikr therapy at each meeting. Spiritual dhikr therapy is carried out for 10 consscutive days, each meeting consisting of 5 sessions with reading tahlil, tasbih, tahmid, takbir, istighfar. Each session reads the dhikr sentence 33 times wtithin 5 minutes. Before giving dhikr, spiritual therapy there were 9 signs of violent behavior, whereas after giving therapy for 10 days there was a decrease to 2 signs of violent behavior. Spiritual dhikr therapy can reduce signs and symptoms of violent behavior because dhikr can purify the heart and soul, be grateful for what Allah has given, make the body healthy, and prevent oneself from the dangers of lust. Nursing strategies (controlling violent behavior physically, drugs, verbally and spiritually and spiritual dhikr intervention can effectively reduce signs of violent behavior. This can reduce stress hormones, increase feelings of relaxation and distraction of fear, anxiety.

Factors affecting the spiritual rehabilitation of people affected by natural disasters: a systematic review.

Every year, natural disasters in many countries lead to the destruction of infrastructure, loss of assets, and harm to the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of people. The attention of policymakers and the media is mostly focused on the reconstruction of damaged buildings and the physical rehabilitation and recovery of the injured, while the spiritual rehabilitation of the people affected is often neglected. This study aims to identify the factors influencing the spiritual rehabilitation of people affected by natural disasters. This study was conducted using a systematic literature review following the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant studies were extracted from data sources, including MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Google Scholar, Embase, ProQuest, PsycInfo, Scopus, IranMedex, SID, and ISC. Systematic review studies, key journals, and conference proceedings related to the factors affecting the spiritual rehabilitation of individuals after natural disasters from January 1, 2020 to March 31, 2022 were included. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the obtained data. Initially, 1,753 studies were identified based on the initial search, and eventually, 22 final studies were included in the study. Based on the thematic analysis results, the factors influencing the spiritual rehabilitation of people affected by natural disasters were classified into four main themes and eleven sub-themes. The main themes included communication with God, strengthening religious beliefs, social participation, and meaning-making. The sub-themes included praying, using supplication, reading the holy book, praising God, believing in the afterlife, understanding the position and characteristics of the world, understanding the divine, participating in religious ceremonies, membership in supportive groups, the meaning of suffering and adversity, and the meaning of death. The results of this study demonstrate that the connection with the divine (God), strengthening religious beliefs, social participation, and meaning-making are influential factors in the spiritual rehabilitation of affected people after natural disasters. Incorporating these factors in the spiritual counseling and care of the affected people can improve their spiritual health after encountering the destructive effects of natural disasters. These findings can provide valuable insights for managing natural disasters through a holistic approach to the health of affected people, and can guide caregivers in implementing spiritual rehabilitation interventions.

Efficacy of spiritual interventions in palliative care: An umbrella review of systematic reviews.

Spiritual care is increasingly recognised as an essential component of care in palliative settings. Given this growing body of literature on spiritual interventions, there is a need to systematically evaluate and synthesis findings from previous systematic reviews. To systematically synthesise the available evidence from systematic reviews concerning (a) the efficacy of spiritual care interventions and (b) the extent and nature of spiritual care interventions used in specialist palliative care settings. An umbrella review of systematic reviews was conducted in accordance with PROSPERO (CRD42024455147) and followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for umbrella reviews. Electronic databases (Ovid Medline, Embase, APA PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL and Web of Science) and references of accepted systematic reviews were searched for systematic reviews from inception to 2024. The AMSTAR-2 criteria was used to assess risk of bias within systematic reviews. A toal of 27 reviews met the eligibility criteria and reported the effects of 14 different spiritual care interventions across 431 studies including 55,759 participants. Findings show that spiritual care interventions especially dignity therapy and life-review may be effective for improving outcomes including spiritual wellbeing, emotional symptoms, quality-of-life and physical symptoms in people receiving specialist palliative care. Under half of included reviews report follow-up data where only emotional symptoms and quality-of-life are reported in more than one review. Overall, spiritual care interventions have positive effects on spiritual wellbeing, quality of life and mood, compared to control conditions. Increased methodological rigour is needed to capture effect and duration of effect with spiritual care interventions at different phases of palliative care.

Proof of concept, feasibility, and acceptability of spiritual care assessment and intervention-pediatric with caregivers of children receiving home mechanical ventilation

Caregivers of children with medical complexity face daily tasks comparable to pediatric critical care nursing with multiple stressors. This may result in emotional and spiritual distress. Caregivers may also rely on their religion and spirituality to cope. Chaplains have the potential to support caregivers in this setting, beginning with spiritual assessment. This study’s purpose was to verify the feasibility and acceptability of the Spiritual Care Assessment and Intervention framework adapted for home-based chaplaincy with caregivers of children receiving home mechanical ventilation (SCAI-Peds). A quasi-experimental, proof-of-concept trial with N = 6 caregivers and two board certified chaplains was carried out. SCAI-Peds was acceptable and feasible to caregivers, delivered with high fidelity, and was also acceptable to the chaplains. Home-based intervention delivery may provide more room for reflection and reframing than acute care settings. The results warrant advancing SCAI-Peds beyond the pilot stage.

The effect of spiritual self-care model on the self-efficacy of spouses of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: A quasi-experimental study

The present study aims to determine the effect of the spiritual self-care model on the self-efficacy of spouses of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This quasi-experimental study, conducted in 2023, focused on the wives of veterans with PTSD. Data collection was carried out using a non-random sampling method. Data for this research were gathered using demographic and self-efficacy questionnaires. The demographic questionnaire collected information on the age of the veteran's spouse, duration of marriage, percentage of military service, education, and occupation. A total of 30 participants were divided into intervention and control groups. The independent t-test revealed a significant difference between the control and spiritual self-care groups after the intervention (P&lt;0.01), whereas no significant difference was observed before the intervention (P=0.36). Additionally, the paired t-test indicated no significant difference in the control group before and after the intervention (P=0.89). Still, a significant difference was found in the spiritual self-care group (P&lt;0.01). After adjusting for the pre-test effects, it was demonstrated that the spiritual self-care model significantly impacts the self-efficacy of veterans. It is estimated that approximately 85% of the changes in self-efficacy can be attributed to the spiritual care intervention (Eta=0.85, P&lt;0.001). This research demonstrated that spiritual self-care enhances self-efficacy in veterans' wives. As a psychological variable, self-efficacy is crucial in managing life crises and stresses. Spiritual beliefs serve as an effective strategy for coping with challenges and significantly improve the self-efficacy of veterans' wives.

Effectiveness of spiritual and religious interventions in patients with cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to combine the physiological, psychological, and spiritual health effects of spiritual and religious interventions on cardiovascular disease patients. Studies from January 1999 to December 2022 were sourced from ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, and cumulative index to nursing and allied health literature databases. This meta-analysis adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Data were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 4. Heterogeneity was assessed using 95% confidence intervals (CIs), p values, and fixed or random-effects models. This systematic review included 15 studies with 2,047 participants, while the meta-analysis focused on 12 studies. Spiritual and religion-based interventions notably reduced participants' heart rate (g = -0.287, 95% CI = [-0.552, -0.021]), anxiety (g = -1.081, 95% CI [-1.364, -0.831]), and depression (g = -1.346, 95% CI [-1.965, -0.726]). Moreover, these interventions significantly enhanced spiritual well-being (g = 0.692, 95% CI [0.459, 0.926]) and hope levels (g = 1.152, 95% CI [0.347, 1.956]) compared to control groups. This meta-analysis flashes on utilizing spiritual and religion-based interventions for nurses, chaplains, psychologists, social workers, and other professionals who might lead patient care to enhance health outcomes for cardiac patients. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Transformative Impact of Islamic Spiritual Care (ISC) Enriched with Murottal: Alleviating Anxiety and Depression among Coronary Heart Disease Patients through Pre- and Post-Intervention Analysis

Background:Spiritual care is a vital component of comprehensive nursing, especially for patients in palliative care, such as those with coronary heart disease. While pharmacological and medical interventions remain the primary approach for heart-related conditions, the substantial success rate observed with spiritual therapy incorporating Murottal recitations highlights its significant impact on improving patients' quality of life, particularly in managing anxiety and depression. Objective:This study aimed to assess the differences in anxiety and depression scores among cardiovascular patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease before and after the application of Islamic spiritual care interventions using Murottal, in both intervention and control groups. Method:Using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a control group, the study involved a population of 156 coronary heart disease patients undergoing treatment. Simple random sampling produced a sample size of 110 patients at Muhammadiyah Hospital in Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Respondents were divided into two groups of 55 participants each. The intervention group received spiritual care through Murottal, while the control group received standard hospital therapy. Levels of anxiety and depression were measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS). Results:The Wilcoxon test results for anxiety and depression variables in the intervention group showed a p-value of &lt;0.005, indicating a significant difference in anxiety and depression scores before and after receiving the spiritual care intervention with Murottal. Conclusion:Islamic spiritual care (ISC) services incorporating Murottal recitations have the potential to reduce anxiety and depression among coronary heart disease patients at Muhammadiyah Hospital in Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Keywords: Anxiety, Coronary Heart Disease, Depression, Murottal, Spiritual Care, Patient.

Supplemental Material for Effectiveness of Spiritual and Religious Interventions in Patients With Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Supplemental Material for Effectiveness of Spiritual and Religious Interventions in Patients With Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

The Mindfulness-Based on Spiritual Intervention on Psychological Well-Being and Blood Sugar Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Blood sugar levels are influenced by psychological well-being, which is affected by diabetics who go from being healthy to sick. This study examined the effect of spiritually situated mindfulness interventions on the psychological health and blood sugar levels of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Method: A quasi-explore different avenues regarding an untreated benchmark group and ward pre-and post-test samples was the research strategy utilized. All type 2 DM patients at the Surabaya Islamic Hospital Outpatient Clinic made up the study's populace. Using a basic random sampling strategy, 130 samples in totally were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion rules. Also, the sample was split fifty, with 60 respondents each in the control and treatment groups. The Glucometer and the Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scale were the instruments utilized in this investigation. Matched sample t-test and independent sample t-test data analysis. Result: The results showed that the psychological well-being of the intervention bunch was 147.68 before the intervention and 171.32 after it. The mean blood sugar level in the gathering before the intervention was executed was 302.64, however after it was carried out, it was 189.11. In addition, the mean blood sugar levels in the benchmark group were 289.21 and 283.87 when the intervention, and the mean psychological well-being levels were 146.84 and 146.02, respectively. Furthermore, the data analysis demonstrated a negative relationship between type 2 diabetes patients' blood sugar levels and psychological well-being and mindfullnes based on spiritual intervention (p = 0.00). Discuss: Individuals with type 2 diabetes can encounter improvements in their psychological well-being by lowering their blood sugar levels through the often used mindfullnes based on spiritual intervention.

Preventing dropout in spiritually integrated psychotherapies: What are the effective methods of attending to clients' spirituality?

The purpose of this study was to examine associations between clinicians' use of varying types of spiritual interventions in the first session of spiritually integrated psychotherapies (SIPs) and clients' likelihood of returning for a second session. In total, 154 practitioners of SIPs from 33 settings in a practice-research network reported on their implementation of different methods for addressing clients' religion/spirituality on an after-session summary checklist. Roughly 80% or more of the clinicians implemented at least one spiritual intervention in the first session; on average, clinicians used 3.26 (SD = 3.66) of the interventions on the checklist. Occurring with 20% or more of the 1,094 clients, the most commonly used spiritual interventions included listening to spiritual issues, discussing compassion and hope, affirming clients' divine worth and attempts to trust God. In total, nearly one in five clients did not return for a second session. Focusing on interventions that were empirically linked with clients' engagement in a second session in bivariate analyses, discussion of spiritual dimensions of clients' problems and solutions was associated with a 118% greater probability that clients engaged in SIPs; in contrast, discussion of hope was linked with a 40% decrease in treatment engagement. In conclusion, findings highlight the potential opportunities and risks for implementing interventions that attend to clients' spirituality and/or religious faith at the start of SIPs. Research is needed to understand factors associated with the effective use of spiritual interventions and methods of training clinicians accordingly. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Utilization of Traditional Healing Practices for Cancer Treatment: Benefits, Risks, and Integration with Modern Medicine

Traditional healing practices in Africa, characterized by the use of locally available plants, minerals, and spiritual rituals, have historically played a significant role in managing diseases, including cancer. Despite the overshadowing effect of Western medicine during the colonial period, traditional practices continue to be integral to many communities, providing culturally relevant and accessible treatments. This review explores the utilization of traditional healing practices in cancer treatment, focusing on the benefits, risks, and integration with modern medicine. Traditional cancer treatments, including herbal remedies, spiritual interventions, and physical therapies, offer potential benefits like improved symptom management and emotional support. However, challenges like lack of standardization, scientific validation, and potential interactions with conventional treatments pose significant risks. The integration of traditional and modern medical approaches is emerging as a trend, aiming to improve treatment outcomes and patient quality of life. This requires careful consideration of safety, efficacy, and standardization. Effective integration involves developing collaborative care models, regulatory frameworks, and interdisciplinary partnerships. Future directions include advancing research to understand traditional remedies’ mechanisms, improving quality control, and exploring hybrid therapies. By fostering collaboration between traditional healers, researchers, and modern healthcare professionals, and addressing ethical and safety concerns, traditional practices can be harnessed while enhancing overall cancer care. Keywords: Traditional Healing, Cancer Treatment, Benefits, Risks, Modern Medicine

CN2 An updated evidence on the effects of spiritual interventions in cancer: A systematic review with meta-analysis

CN2 An updated evidence on the effects of spiritual interventions in cancer: A systematic review with meta-analysis

The Effectiveness of Spiritual Interventions in Improving the Mental Health of Patients Receiving Hemodialysis Treatment in Nursing Care: A Meta-Analysis Study

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between spiritual well-being and anxiety and depression in patients receiving hemodialysis treatment through meta-analysis method. Methods: Pubmed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, EBSCOhost, and ProQuest databases were used to gather the data. All databases were reviewed for the last time on April 5, 2022, and a total of 5 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Effect size was evaluated according to Cohen's r correlation coefficient effect width classification. I2 tests were calculated to test heterogeneity. Results: It was found that the effect of spirituality on reducing depression was negative and at a large effect level. Moreover, it was investigated that the effect of spiritual well-being on reducing anxiety was negative and moderate. Since I2 &amp;gt; 50 in both analyses, random effects model was used for carrying out the process of analysis. Conclusion: It was found that spiritual well-being had a great effect on depression and moderate effect on anxiety in patients receiving hemodialysis treatment. High levels of spiritual well-being can reduce the incidence of anxiety and depression in hemodialysis patients. In addition, it can be indicated that spiritual care offered to patients receiving hemodialysis treatment would reduce the level of anxiety and depression.

The Power of a Belief System: A Systematic Qualitative Synthesis of Spiritual Care for Patients with Brain Tumors.

Background: Diagnosis with a brain tumor is a critical event in the lives of patients and their families due to poor medical prognoses and complex clinical care. Spiritual care interventions have been known to have meaningful effects in morbid diagnoses and palliative medicine, but their role in the neuro-oncologic patient's experience is poorly understood. This systematic review explores the role of spirituality and its relevance to patient care in the diverse setting of brain tumors. Methods: A comprehensive systematic review was conducted following PRISMA-SR guidelines. PUBMED was queried for studies on spirituality and neuro-oncology. Identified studies included RCTs, interviews, surveys, and case reports that examined spirituality in neuro-oncological clinical care, quality of life, and patient experience. Of 214 articles identified, 21 studies met the inclusion criteria, and the results were narratively synthesized. Results: Spirituality may play a significant role in mental well-being by reconciling existential questions faced by both patients and caregivers, and can serve as a valuable resource to improve mental well-being and reduce rates of palliative caregiver burnout. However, the paucity of studies examining the education and integration of spiritual awareness within the clinical literature warrants further study. Conclusions: While spiritual care interventions may improve the quality of life and mental wellness of patients and their caregivers, it is unclear how spiritual awareness and education should best be implemented. Further research is needed to better understand how key components of spiritual awareness can be integrated into medical education to deepen the patient-physician relationship and improve clinical experiences.

Spiritual care interventions for palliative care patients: A scoping review.

To identify and map spiritual care interventions to address spiritual needs and alleviate suffering of patients in the context of palliative care. A scoping review using the PRISMA ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist was conducted according to the JBI (Joanna Briggs Institute) guidelines. The search was conducted from October 2022 to January 2023 using 9 electronic databases and gray literature. Studies on spiritual care interventions in palliative care were included. Disagreements between the 2 reviewers were resolved by discussion or a third reviewer. A total of 47 studies were included in this review. All selected articles were published between 2003 and 2022. In total, 8 types of spiritual care interventions were identified to assess spiritual needs and/or alleviate suffering: conversations between the patient and a team member, religious practice interventions, therapeutic presence, guided music therapy, multidisciplinary interventions, guided meditation, art therapy, and combined interventions with multiple components such as music, art, integrative therapy, and reflection. Our study identified few spiritual care interventions in palliative care worldwide. Although this review noted a gradual increase in studies, there is a need to improve the reporting quality of spiritual care interventions, so they can be replicated in other contexts. The different interventions identified in this review can be a contribution to palliative care teams as they provide a basis for what is currently being done internationally to alleviate suffering in palliative care and what can be improved. No patient or public contribution was required to design or undertake this methodological research.

Spiritual Connectivity Intervention for Individuals with Depressive Symptoms: A Randomized Control Trial.

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental disorders worldwide. This study examined the effect of a spiritual connectivity intervention on individuals with depression in a randomized waitlist-controlled trial. Fifty-seven participants with mild or moderate depressive symptoms were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 28) or the waitlist control group (n = 29). The intervention comprised eight weekly sessions focusing on divine connection, forgiveness and freedom, suffering and transcendence, hope, gratitude, and relapse prevention. The outcome measures included depressive symptoms, anxiety, hope, meaning in life, self-esteem, and social support. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires at baseline (week 0), post-intervention (week 8), and 3-month follow-up (week 20). Repeated-measures ANOVA and one-way ANCOVA were used to compare the within-group and between-group differences in the changes in outcome variables. Participants in the intervention group showed significant improvements in depression, anxiety, spiritual experience, hope, self-esteem, and perceived social support after the intervention. Effect size statistics showed small to large differences (Cohen's d, 0.308 to -1.452). Moreover, 85.71% of participants in the intervention group also experienced clinically significant reductions in PHQ-9 scores from baseline to immediate post-intervention. This study highlights the effectiveness of a low-cost, accessible intervention suitable for community implementation by clergy and faith-based organizations.