Religious and spiritual coping among diabetic patients

Patients who are spiritual may apply their beliefs when coping with illness, pain, and life stresses. Studies indicated that those who are spiritual tend to have a more positive outlook and a better quality of life. The aim of the present study is to explore the level of religious and spiritual coping among diabetic patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted using structured self-administered questionnaires. A total of 59 diabetic patients (25 males, 34 females) responded to the survey. Almost half (49.2%) of respondents described difficulties in changing dietary intakes, with 32.2% have difficulty in dealing with the new taste of their diet. There was a positive correlation between difficulty to change diet and taste of new diet (r=0.467, p < 0.05). It was also found that only 35.6% agreed that they know how to modify their diet and 40.6% had difficulty in increasing physical activity level. Most patients coped positively with their illness, with 88.1% respondents agreed that they look to Allah for strength, support, and guidance. A total of 93.2% respondents think that their life is part of spiritual force. From negative coping aspects, it was found that 40.7% of respondents thought that their illness could be as punishment for their sins, while 6.8% of respondents felt that Allah has abandoned them during illness. There were no significant associations between positive and negative coping with difficulties in changing components of their lifestyles. In conclusion, the respondents utilise religious and spiritual coping methods while facing crisis such as stress and illness, which can affect their psychological, physical and spiritual aspects in dealing with the illness. While patients are counselled on appropriate lifestyles changes, discussion on religious and spiritual coping strategies may be a worthwhile effort