Spirituality and coping in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Abstract

Myocardial Infarction (MI) affects quality of life (Smeltzer & Bare, 2004) since it causes anxiety, fear, frustration, social isolation, and loss due to the inability to turn to the daily life routine (Park, Fenster, Suresh & Bliss, 2006; Grace et al., 2005; Murray, Kendall, Boyd & Benton, 2004; Baldacchino, 2003). Since MI is a life threatening illness, it may trigger a deeper level of questioning, search for meaning and sometimes forgiveness (Hutton & Perkins, 2008; Murray et al., 2004). Research shows that spirituality is a subjective experience (Carr, 2008; McSherry, 2006) which can be manifested through religious and non-religious means. One can become spiritually aware during a crisis or illness such as MI (Prince-Paul, 2008; Albaugh, 2003). Thus, successful adjustment is important and it may involve effective spiritual coping strategies which can be either religious, non-religious, or a combination of both. Although a small number of studies revealed that spirituality and health outcomes are not always positive, this is by far outweighed when considering the various literature which supports spiritual coping. The aim of this descriptive exploratory study was to define the concept of spirituality as perceived by patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) and identify how spirituality may contribute towards coping of patients with AMI. This small scale study forms part of a larger comparative study between Malta and the University of Diakonova, Oslo, Norway conducted by Dr Donia Baldacchino. A purposive convenience sample of six patients with AMI was recruited from the local acute general hospital and qualitative data were collected from two focus group discussions. Both discussions were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analysed usmg Burnard's Thematic Analysis Framework (1991). Data analysis yielded four themes namely, the religious and non-religious dimensions of spirituality, and coping with AMI. The findings were consistent with research. Recommendations regarding research, clinical practice and education were set up in order to help patients use spiritual coping more effectively and increase patients' satisfaction.