Spirituality in people with Multiple Sclerosis: scoping review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29352/mill0222e.40910Keywords:
Multiple Sclerosis; spirituality nursing; literature reviewAbstract
Introduction: Spirituality and spiritual well-being influence the acceptance of health status and the quality of life of people with Multiple Sclerosis. Studies show that higher levels of spirituality are linked to better adaptation to the disease, lower anxiety, and better psychological well-being. Therefore, it is important to identify what the scientific literature says about this relationship.
Objective: To review and analyse the available evidence on how spirituality, through beliefs, personal practices, or specific interventions, influences the process of coming to terms with the disease in people with Multiple Sclerosis.
Methods: A Scoping Review was carried out following the Joanna Briggs Institute method. Studies were searched in CINAHL, PubMed, MedicLatina, Web of Science, Scopus and PsyArticles, with no time limit, using keywords and indexed descriptors.
Results: Only two studies specifically addressed the relationship between well-being, quality of life, and the process of disease acceptance. The results show that disease acceptance is an important element in the transition and adaptation to Multiple Sclerosis; however, there is no evidence about the role of spirituality in this adaptation.
Conclusion: The small number of studies shows an important gap in the literature and highlights the need for more research on the role of spirituality in the experience and acceptance of Multiple Sclerosis, to better understand how spirituality, independent of religious practice, can help in the process of disease acceptance.
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