Exploring of Perceptions of Iranian Women with Breast Cancer Regarding the Role of Spiritual Self-Care Activities in the Promotion of Hope

Introduction & Aim: Hope has a significant role in dealing with life-threatening diseases such as breast cancer. Spiritual self-care activities seem to be one of the strategies for promoting hope. The purpose of this study was to explain the role of spiritual self-care activities in promotion of hope in women with breast cancer. Methods: This study was conducted from May 2016 to December 2017 using conventional content analysis and In-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 women with breast cancer referring to Shohada-e Tajrish Hospital in Tehran. The sampling method was purposive and Data analysis was performed using the proposed method of Graneheim & Lundman in the MAXQUDA-10 software environment. Results: The results of this study included the theme of spiritual self-care activities with activities that are categorized in Categories and subcategories promote hope in women with breast cancer. A category of artistic and aesthetic activities under the subcategories of interaction with nature ، hearing and playing music, hearing and Writing poetry. A category of Semantic retrieval under the sub categories of Reminders of Blessings, Reminders of sweet memories, Self-acceptance (giving love to self And kindness with self and with self-body) and The Acceptance of others (love and kindness to others), Earning new experiences, Changing the style of life based on spirituality. Conclusion: Promotion of hope in women with breast cancer in this study is possible with spiritual self-care activities.