A Descriptive and Phenomenological Exploration of the Spiritual Needs of Chinese Children Hospitalized with Cancer

Qi Liu, Ka-Yan Ho (), Katherine-Ka-Wai Lam, Winsome-Yuk-Yin Lam, Eileen-Hui-Lin Cheng, Shirley-Siu-Yin Ching and Frances-Kam-Yuet Wong
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Qi Liu: School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
Ka-Yan Ho: School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
Katherine-Ka-Wai Lam: School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
Winsome-Yuk-Yin Lam: School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
Eileen-Hui-Lin Cheng: School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
Shirley-Siu-Yin Ching: School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
Frances-Kam-Yuet Wong: School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 20, 1-15

Abstract: Spiritual well-being is the fourth dimension of health, as equally important as physical, mental, and social well-being. The shadow of death associated with cancer triggers children to explore their personal values, meanings, and life goals throughout the illness trajectory, enabling them to identify their unique spiritual needs. Chinese children are generally non-religious, unlike Western children, which affects their spiritual needs. To address the literature gaps, we applied a qualitative, descriptive, phenomenological approach for exploring the spiritual needs of Chinese children hospitalized with cancer. Purposive sampling was conducted in two public hospitals with special wards for pediatric oncology patients in Hunan Province, China. Consequently, 22 children, hospitalized with cancer, were recruited and individually interviewed using a semi-structured interview format. We conducted a thematic analysis of the interview transcripts. Four important themes were identified: the need for self-exploration, inner needs, need for a connection with others, and need for a connection with gods, supernatural powers, and fictional characters. We found that culture significantly influenced the spiritual needs of Chinese children with cancer. Hope was a key factor motivating the children to continue cancer treatment. To address their unique spiritual needs, culturally specific interventions should be developed and incorporated into their care to enhance their spiritual well-being.

Keywords: spiritual well-being; pediatric oncology; psychological health; symptoms; Chinese (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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