Spiritual Coping in Family Caregivers of Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Context

Family caregivers face significant challenges when providing care to individuals with advanced cancer. Spiritual coping strategies may support caregivers in addressing these challenges.

Objectives

We evaluated spiritual coping levels among Chinese family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer and explored associated factors.

Methods

This cross-sectional study recruited 358 family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer. The Spiritual Coping Scale was used to evaluate spiritual coping levels, while various scales, including the Caregiver Reaction Assessment Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale-Schwarzer, and Perceived Social Support Scale, were used to identify influencing factors. T-tests and analysis of variance were used for group comparisons. Pearson's correlation and multivariate linear regression were used to analyze the associated factors.

Results

Chinese family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer had moderate spiritual coping levels. Differences in spiritual coping levels were observed in sex, religion, and the presence or absence of anxiety and depression (p < 0.05). Women and caregivers who identified as religious had higher levels, while those with anxiety or depression had lower levels. Spiritual coping was positively correlated with self-efficacy and spiritual health (p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that religion, anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, and spiritual health were statistically significant associated factors for spiritual coping scores, explaining 43.3% of the variance in scores (F = 53.769, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The spiritual coping of Chinese family caregivers should be considered by health care providers, who should focus on alleviating their anxiety and depression while improving self-efficacy and spiritual health, especially among nonreligious caregivers.