Effect of an intervention based on basic Buddhist principles on the spiritual well-being of patients with terminal cancer

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of an intervention based on basic Buddhist principles on the spiritual well-being of patients with terminal cancer.

Methods: This quasi-experimental research study had pre- and post-test control groups. The experimental group received conventional care and an intervention based on basic Buddhist principles for three consecutive days, including seven activities based on precept activities, concentration activities and wisdom activities. The control group received conventional care alone.

Results: Forty-eight patients participated in this study: 23 in the experimental group and 25 in the control group. Their mean age was 53 (standard deviation 10) years. The spiritual well-being of participants in the experimental group was significantly higher than that of participants in the control group at the second post-test (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: An intervention based on basic Buddhist principles improved the spiritual well-being of patients with terminal cancer. This result supports the beneficial effects of implementing this type of intervention for patients with terminal cancer.

Keywords: Basic Buddhist principles; Spiritual well-being; Terminal cancer.