Prevalence and associated factors of high spiritual needs among inpatient palliative cancer patients at Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Spiritual needs reflect an individual’s need to seek meaning and purpose in life. Spiritual well-being can enhance patients’ ability to cope with illness and adapt appropriately to crises. However, in clinical practice, the assessment of spiritual needs remains challenging due to the lack of standardized assessment tools and clear clinical guidelines. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of high spiritual needs and to identify associated factors among inpatient palliative cancer patients at Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital, a tertiary care hospital. The findings are intended to support appropriate clinical assessment and promote comprehensive, holistic palliative care.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of high spiritual needs and to identify associated factors among inpatient palliative cancer patients at Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital.
METHODS: This study was conducted as a cross-sectional study using questionnaires to assess the level of spiritual needs and factors associated with spiritual needs. A total of 100 cancer patients receiving inpatient palliative care were enrolled. Data were collected from November 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025. Prevalence was described, and factors associated with high spiritual needs were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
RESULTS: Seventeen patients (17%) had high spiritual needs. Factors significantly associated with high spiritual needs included occupation (aOR 5.55, 95% CI: 1.57–19.60, p=0.008), palliative performance status (PPS) score of 50–69% (aOR 6.68, 95% CI: 1.27–37.16, p=0.025), PPS score of 30–49% (aOR 22.08, 95% CI: 2.51–194.21, p=0.005), absence of advance care planning (ACP) (aOR 5.30, 95% CI: 1.19–23.56, p=0.029).
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The prevalence of high spiritual needs among inpatient palliative cancer patients was 17%. Continued employment, lower PPS scores, and absence of ACP were significantly associated with high spiritual needs. Patients with these characteristics should be proactively screened and provided with spiritual support to enhance psychological security and support patients in coping with uncertainty during the end stage of life.
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