A pilot study addressing the impact of religious practice on quality of life of breast cancer patients during chemotherapy

J Relig Health. 2013 Mar;52(1):184-93. doi: 10.1007/s10943-011-9468-6.

Abstract

The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate whether religious practice can modify quality of life (QoL) in BC patients during chemotherapy. QoL and religion practice questionnaire (RPQ) scores were evaluated in a sample of BC patients in different moments. Before chemotherapy initiation, women with lower physical and social functional scores displayed higher RPQ scores. On the other hand, low RPQ patients worsened some QoL scores over time. Body image acceptance was positively correlated with religious practice and specifically praying activity. This preliminary study suggests the importance of religion in coping with cancer chemotherapy.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / toxicity*
  • Body Image / psychology
  • Brazil
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Doxorubicin / administration & dosage
  • Doxorubicin / toxicity
  • Faith Healing
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hospitals, University
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Pilot Projects
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Religion and Medicine*
  • Religion and Psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Doxorubicin