J Korean Oncol Nurs.  2010 Aug;10(2):199-209.

The Experiences of Prayer in Christian Patients with Breast Cancer

• Lee WH
• Sung JH
• Lee JE
• Kang KA

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to understand the meaning of prayer in Christian patients with breast cancer.
METHODS
Data collection and analysis were conducted by the Colaizzi analysis of phenomenological method. Data were collected by in-depth interviewing the participants and by further follow-up observations. Sixteen patients participated in this study.
RESULTS
The significant statements (188), formulated meanings (42), themes (38), clusters of theme (10), and categories (5) were emerged. The 5 categories were as follows: communication with God, healing and peace, spiritual growth, distrust in prayer, and method of prayer.
CONCLUSION
Further studies need to consider the period of faith, comparison between christian and other religions, and length of diagnosis. A better understanding of the meaning of prayer will lead to a more comprehensive view of the spiritual care for patients with breast cancer, and can lead to guidelines for assessment and intervention to reduce suffering from cancer.

Keyword

Christianity; Breast neoplasms; Religion; Qualitative research

MeSH Terms

Breast
Breast Neoplasms
Christianity
Data Collection
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Qualitative Research
Religion
Stress, Psychological

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