Suicidality and religiosity in breast cancer patients

Abstract

Aim:

To assess relations between religiosity, social and clinical parameters, quality of life and suicidality in breast cancer patients.

Method:

115 breast cancer inpatients were included. The measures used were: Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire (SCSORF), World Health Organisation Well-Being Index Five and International Breast Cancer Study Group Quality of Life Questionnaire (consists of visual analogue scales measuring physical health, mood, tiredness, perceived adjustment, pain, appetite, social support, satisfaction with current condition) and three statements relating to religious coping with cancer: "my faith helps me coping with illness", "illness increased my faith" and "illness decreased my faith" (Likert scale: 1 - strongly disagree to 4 - strongly agree). Suicidality was measured with extracted question from diagnostic questionnaire for depressive patients: "Do you have the feeling that life has no value or suicidal thoughts?” (Likert scale: 0- no; 1- life has no value, it is better not to live; 2- death wish, but without suicidal thoughts; 3 - suicidal thoughts or plans; 4 - suicide, attempted suicide). Clinical variables were tumor grade, hormonal therapy, type of operation.

Results:

Suicidality was negatively correlated with well-being (r=-0,549; p=0.001), all health-related QOL dimensions, time passed since diagnosis (r=-0,211; p=0,05), but was not associated with clinical or social variables. SCSORF score, frequency of attendance and prayer were not associated with suicidality, but statement "the illness decreased my faith" was positively correlated with suicidality (r=0,268; p=0,004).

Conclusion:

Suicidality of breast cancer patients is associated with QOL domains but not with clinical characteristics of the illness. Decreasing of faith is associated with suicidality.