title: Changes in spirituality and quality of life in patients undergoing radiation therapy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Investigations into the role of spirituality in cancer confirm the association of good spiritual well-being with many positive outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate potential changes in spirituality over the course of radiation therapy (RT).
  
  
  METHODS
  The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual questionnaire measuring spiritual well-being and quality of life (QOL) was administered to adult patients undergoing RT. Scores were compared using student t tests and chi-square analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Despite statistically significant declines in QOL measures such as physical well-being (P < .001) and overall well-being (P < .001), no significant changes were noted in spirituality for all comers. A significant increase in the Sp-12 spirituality measure (P = .001) was noted in patients with breast cancer, independent of age, gender, and purpose of treatment. Sp-12 scores were positively correlated with overall QOL scores (P < .001).
authors: Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Portland, USA. bethany.samuelson@gmail.com
authors: Bethany T
authors: BT
authors: Samuelson
authors: Erik K
authors: EK
authors: Fromme
authors: Charles R
authors: CR
authors: Thomas
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D029181:Spirituality; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires