Authors
1 Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
2 Kerman University of Medical Sciences
3 Shiraz University
Abstract
Introduction: There are few studies on the spiritual experiences of myocardial infarction patients
in the light of cultural context. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explain the spiritual
experiences of patients during heart attack.
Method: This was a qualitative study. Nine (4 women, 5 men) myocardial infarction patients
were interviewed (in-depth interview) in the CCUs of three hospitals in Shiraz. In addition, seven
nurses participated in a focus group. Data gathering and analysis were performed
simultaneously and continued until data saturation. All the interviews were tape-recorded and
transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis method was used for data analysis.
Results: The participants’ spiritual experiences were categorized into four themes and 11
subthemes. The main themes were trust in God, struggling with the heart, family (soothing and
stress-inducing), and help-seeking.
Conclusion: According to the results heart attack can bring spirituality in greater focus.
Therefore, in order to deliver holistic care, health care providers must be concerned with their
patients’ spiritual experiences and needs, especially in life-threatening events
Keywords
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