The Effect of Spirituality on Quality of Life in Women with Breast Cancer: The Role of Hope and Educational Attainment

Introduction and Aim: This study investigated relationships among spirituality, hope and overall quality of life (QoL) in Muslim women with breast cancer in Malaysia. The mediating role of hope in the relationship between spirituality and quality of life as well as the moderating effect of education level on the spirituality-hope link were examined. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design with a convenience sample of 145 Malay patients was used. Participants were recruited from an outpatient oncology clinic in Kuala Lumpur when they presented for routine follow-up appointments. Spirituality was measured by the 20-item Beliefs and QoL was evaluated with the 16-item McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results: Participants with higher self-reported spirituality reported more hope and higher levels of quality of life. Further, higher educational attainment weakened relationships between spirituality and hope. Conclusions: In summary, this study demonstrates that the spirituality has significant relationship with more hope and higher levels of quality of life.

Keywords:

Spirituality , Quality of life , hope , breast cancer , Muslim