Background and Purpose: Cancer is associated with significant changes in the lifestyle of patients. Spiritual well-being has been shown to be an inherent element of health, quality of life, increased survival rate, and enhanced adaptability of cancer patients with the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the spiritual health of cancer patients and their nurses. Methods: This descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 hospitalized cancer patients and 60 nurses in the hospitals affiliated to Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Iran during March-October 2014. Participants were selected via accident sampling, and data were collected using the Spiritual Well-being Scale (SWBS). Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 16 using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and T-test. Results: In cancer patients, mean scores of religious, existential and spiritual well-being were 52±2.32, 46±1.23 and 99±3.73, respectively. In the studied nurses, these scores were 29±4.43, 40±1.17 and 70±4.02, respectively. A significant difference was observed between the scores of spiritual well-being between cancer patients and nurses (P=0.001). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, spiritual well-being largely contributes to the mental health of cancer patients. Therefore, higher spiritual well-being of nurses could enhance the spiritual health of cancer patients as well.

Experiences of people living with cancer have revealed that spiritual well-being is a vital aspect of a healthy life, necessary for creating a positive psychology and will guide patients toward a meaningful life. It can also increase cancer patients' adaptability and improve their quality of life and survival. The present study aimed at determining the spiritual well-being among cancer patients and their nurses. This descriptive-cross sectional study carried out with a convenience sampling method and participation of 120 hospitalized cancer patients and their nurses in oncology units. Data were collected using Paloutzian and Ellison well-being questionnaire (r = 0.82) and were analyzed using, chi-square and t-tests by using SPSS 21. The average scores of religious, existential and spiritual well-being in patients were 52, 46 and 99 respectively. Their average scores of religious, existential and spiritual well-being in nurses were 29, 40 and 70 respectively which falls within an average range (41-99). Comparing spiritual well-being scores between patients and nurses using chi-square and t- tests showed a significant difference (p=0.001). Spirituality and positive psychology have always been considered as effective treatment for people who are suffering from cancer. Increased spiritual well-being among nurses can improve spiritual health in cancer patients.             Keywords: cancer patients, spiritual well-being, religious well-being, existential well-being, positive psychology, nurses.

Background: Much research has been done on reproductive tract infections (RTIs), but no study exists about RTIs among rheumatoid arthritis women. Objectives: This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of RTIs among reproductive-aged women with rheumatoid arthritis in Pune, India. Methods: This clinical-based, cross-sectional study enrolled a sample of 400 consenting Indian women aged 15 -49 years with a history of at least three months’ rheumatoid arthritis referring to a popular community center. Patients were interviewed comprehensively using previously validated relevant questionnaires. Women underwent gynecological examinations and vaginal smears (wet mount) by a microbiologist to diagnose candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. Syphilis serological testing was performed for the study population. Results: The prevalence obtained was 39.3%. Infection with bacterial vaginosis was 32.0%, Candidiasis 6.5%, and trichomoniasis 0.8%. Syphilis seroconversion was not observed. Adjusting for confounding factors in logistic regression showed that four factors remained significant, including age under 30 years [AOR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2 - 4.9], living in a crowded and small one-room house [AOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.2 - 5.1] , improper linen for menstruation bleeding [AOR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1 - 3.3], and oral disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs [AOR: 3.96, 95% CI: 1.9 - 7.9]. Conclusions: This study demonstrated a large burden of RTIs in women suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Regular screening algorithms for RTIs are urgently required to prevent neglect and improve overall standard care in rheumatology practice. The presence of an oral disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug as a risk factor shows that more investigation is necessary in this case.

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