BackgroundSpirituality is a subjective and multi-dimensional concept. The ambiguity in its meaning can create barriers in its application in both education and medicine. The present study aimed to explore the Iranian cancer patients’ perception of spirituality.MethodsA qualitative study, using the content analysis approach, was conducted. Semi-structured interviews were held with 11 cancer patients and six members of their families in one of Tehran’s hospitals and a charity institute. The data generated were transcribed verbatim and content analysis approach was used for data reduction, naming data, obtaining analytical code and determining categories and themes.ResultsThree themes (and seven sub-themes) emerged from the data analysis: 1) God as the spiritual truth (relationship with God and trust in God), 2) Moralities as a spiritual sign (considering personal and social moral codes) and 3) Spiritual resources as the source of hope (religious, personal and social resources).ConclusionsOverall, in the view of cancer patients, spirituality can be defined in a religious context. However, some of them believe in morality beside religiosity, so health care staff must pay due attention to these aspects, to provide them with the opportunity to use spiritual resources.

Context: Considering the stressful conditions of life and social difficulties, an important question is why are some people can show positive adaptation and avoid mental health disorders, while others cannot? The present study aimed at reviewing the national studies on the correlation between resilience and mental health.Evidence Acquisition: In this systematic review, all national articles published in international and national databases were searched without restrictions, using the following keywords: "Resilience OR Resiliency" AND "Mental health" OR "General Health" and their combinations. The Persian equivalents of these words were also used in Persian language sites. Finally, based on PRISMA guidelines, 15 studies were selected. The results of these studies were combined using the random effects model of meta-analysis. Results:In the present research, 16 correlation studies were examined without time limits, and with a sample size of 3157. Overall, a positive correlation was found between resilience and mental health in the national studies (r = 0.48). The results showed that the correlation between resilience and mental health was lower in the population of school and university students than among other populations (r = 0.39, compared to r = 0.54). The analysis based on geographical division indicated that the highest correlation between resilience and mental health existed in the fifth area (r = 0.83), and the lowest correlation was found in the fourth area (r = 0.35).Conclusions: By providing cognitive, behavioral and emotional responses in stressful situations, resilience can maintain and improve mental health.

After diagnosis of cancer, many patients show more inclination towards religion and religious activities. This qualitative study using semi-structured interviews explored the perspectives and experiences of 17 Iranian cancer patients and their families regarding the role of religion in their adaptation to cancer in one of the hospitals in Tehran and a charity institute. The content analysis identified two themes: "religious beliefs "(illness as God's will, being cured by God's will, belief in God's supportiveness, having faith in God as a relieving factor, and hope in divine healing) and "relationship with God during the illness." In general, relationship with God and religious beliefs had a positive effect on the patients adapting to their condition, without negative consequences such as stopping their treatment process and just waiting to be cured by God. Thus a strengthening of such beliefs, as a coping factor, could be recommended through religious counseling.

Respect for hospitalized patient privacy contains multiple dimensions. Factors affecting the achievement of this concept include individual backgrounds, nature of the disease, and rule of paternalism. The fulfillment of patient privacy leads to such consequences as protection and improvement of human dignity as well as improved communication between the patient and the health team.

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