Determining the spiritual well-being of patients with spinal cord injury.

The present study was designed to determine the spiritual belief levels of patients with spinal cord injury as well as to examine the socio-demographic factors that affect their spiritual beliefs. This study was designed as a descriptive study. The physical therapy and rehabilitation unit of a city Education and Research hospital. All patients over the age of 18 years who have had spinal cord injuries. Data for the study were collected using a questionnaire and the FACIT-Spiritual Well-Being Scale. People with SCI in the eastern region of Turkey demonstrate moderately high levels of spiritual well-being. A significant correlation was identified between socio-demographic characteristics, such as age, marital status, level of income, status of receiving care, and duration of diagnosis, and the spiritual well-being of patients with spinal cord injury. While previous studies have been conducted in Christian communities, the current study was the first to be conducted in a Turkish (primarily Muslim) community. Therefore, the current study will significantly contribute to the literature an explanation of the spiritual well-being of patients with spinal cord injuries in Muslim communities. Degree of spiritual well-being in Turkey is similar to other regions studied to date. Spiritual well-being is important in coping with the physical, social, economic, and emotional problems experienced by patients after a spinal cord injury. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to support the spiritual needs of their patients.