title: Muslim breast cancer survivor spirituality: coping strategy or health seeking behavior hindrance?
abstract: We explored the role of religiosity and spirituality on (i) feelings and attitudes about breast cancer, (ii) strategies for coping with breast cancer, and (iii) health care seeking behaviors among breast cancer survivors in Iran. We conducted in-depth semistructured interviews with 39 breast cancer survivors. We found that spirituality is the primary source of psychological support among participants. Almost all participants attributed their cancer to the will of God. Despite this, they actively have been engaged with their medical treatment. This is in surprising contrast to Western cultures in which a belief in an external health locus of control diminishes participation in cancer screening, detection, and treatment. These findings can help researchers to provide a framework for the development of appropriate and effective culturally sensitive health interventions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Education, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Tayebeh Fasihi
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Harandy
authors.forename: Fazlollah
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ghofranipour
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Montazeri
authors.forename: Monireh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Anoosheh
authors.forename: Mohsen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bazargan
authors.forename: Eesa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mohammadi
authors.forename: Fazlollah
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ahmadi
authors.forename: Shamsaddin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Niknami
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D007514:Islam; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D029181:Spirituality; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*