title: The use of spirituality and religiosity in coping with colorectal cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Spirituality and religiosity are reported as important in coping with cancer but rarely explored across cultures.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To explore and compare the use of spirituality and religiosity in coping with colorectal cancer in New Zealand and Iran.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional qualitative approach involving interviews conducted in New Zealand (n = 20) and Iran (n = 20). The data were analysed using thematic analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of participants interviewed used religion as a resource in coping with cancer. A minority described spirituality as separate to religion and drew on spirituality either in relation to religion or alone. All Iranian participants viewed spirituality as intertwined with religion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Religious and/or spiritual beliefs formed an important source of support for all Iranians and the majority of New Zealand participants living with cancer. The ability of nurses to identify, recognise, and support these beliefs is important in the provision of holistic care.
authors.affiliation: a School of Nursing and Midwifery , Arak University of Medical Sciences , Arak 6941-7-38481 , Iran.
authors.forename: Nazi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Nejat
authors.affiliation: b School of Nursing and Midwifery , Edith Cowan University , Perth 6027 , Australia.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Whitehead
authors.affiliation: c Centre for Postgraduate Nursing Studies , University of Otago , Christchurch 8140 , New Zealand.
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Crowe
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D012067:Religion; D029181:Spirituality
keywords: Spirituality; cancer; colorectal cancer; religion; supportive care