Exploring the Role of Spirituality in Coping Process of Family Caregivers of Patients in Vegetative State

Introduction: The vegetative state (VS) is a condition which can occurs after a severe brain injury. After hospital discharging Responsibility of caring of patients in vs is transferred to their families, which cause high burden for them. Religion and spirituality help people to reinterpret uncontrollable events and cope with difficulties.

Aims and Objectives: This study was carried out to explore the role of spirituality during coping process of family caregivers of patients in VS with caregiving burden.

Place and Duration of Study: The present study was carried out in Kerman province, Iran during 2014- 2015.

Methods: This study is a part of a larger qualitative study with using grounded theory method. Sampling was done by using purposeful sampling and then theoretical sampling according to data analysis and constant comparative method for expanding concepts. 11 family members and 2 nurses participated in the study. Data was gathered using face to face in-depth interviews and were analysed through constant comparison method.

Results: From the analysis of the interview texts two themes were extracted, first: "finding meaning in care" which indicates that there is meaning and purpose in delivering care. The categories "care is something spiritual", "looking toward the horizon" and "a sense of excellence in care" formed this theme. Second: "Internal solace provided by religious beliefs" that shows religious beliefs can be effective in bringing relief to the caregivers’ life. The categories "reliance" and “invocation" formed this theme.

Conclusion: Spirituality and religion help family caregivers to accept care and strongly affected the ability of family caregivers to cope with the hardships of caregiving for patients in vegetative state. In light of spirituality, they maintained hope for a better future and experience inner peace by remembrance and supplicating to God.