Researchers now report that liver transplant candidates who have a strong religious connection have better post-transplant survival. The new study also finds that religiosity - regardless of cause of death -prolongs the life span of individuals who underwent liver transplantation.
Much of the medical profession today is focused on the delivery of services, rather than whole patient care which not only takes into account physical well-being, but psychological, social, and spiritual aspects as well. Although there is a lack of interest in religion by the medical community, the authors point out that 90 percent of the world's population today is involved in some form of religion or spiritual pursuit.
Prior studies have demonstrated that religiosity allows individuals to better cope with illness, and may even influence disease progression. Furthermore, a report by McCullough et al. that included a meta-analysis of 42 studies (surveying roughly 126,000 people) found active religious involvement increased the odds of being alive at follow-up by 26 percent.
"Our study tested the hypothesis that religiosity - seeking God's help, having faith in God, trusting in God, trying to discern God's will even in the disease - improves survival of patients with end-stage liver disease who underwent liver transplantation," explains Franco Bonaguidi, D.Psych., and lead author of the study.
It was the personal relationship between the patient and God, regardless of religious creed (Christian, Muslim, or other) rather than formal church attendance that positively affected survival. As one participant described, "I recovered my life by the will of Someone up there…I had great faith in Him. This closeness made me feel strong and calm."
Dr. Bonaguidi concluded, "We found that an active search for God - the patient's faith in a higher power rather than a generic destiny - had a positive impact on patient survival."
The authors caution that this study focuses on a severely ill patient population, therefore the conclusions may not be applicable to individuals with different illnesses or degrees of disease severity.
Full findings are now available online here.
The healing power of prayer
Relationships hold the key to spiritual care
All of my articles may be accessed here.
Comments