Exploring spiritual care: Insights from Hindu family caregivers in palliative care

Mohd Romzi, Nurul Syakila Izzati and Mohamad Ismail, Mohamad Firdaus and Efendi, Ferry and Shahadan, Siti Zuhaidah (2026) Exploring spiritual care: Insights from Hindu family caregivers in palliative care. palliative and supportive care, 24 (e275). pp. 1-7. ISSN 1478-9515 E-ISSN 1478-9523

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Abstract

Objectives. Family caregivers play a fundamental role in addressing the spiritual needs of patients receiving palliative care, particularly in cultures where spirituality is deeply embedded in daily life. This study explored how Hindu family caregivers perceived spiritual care, the ways they incorporated spiritual practices into caregiving, and the challenges they experienced while supporting relatives with palliative care needs. Methods. A descriptive qualitative study was undertaken with 12 Hindu family caregivers recruited through purposive and snowball sampling in Kuantan, Malaysia. Individual semistructured interviews were conducted, and the data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns across participants’ experiences. Results. Three interconnected themes emerged: Perceiving Spiritual Care as a Source of Meaning and Hope, Integrating Spiritual Practices into Family Caregiving, and Navigating Emotional and Practical Challenges in Spiritual Caregiving. Participants described spiritual care as fostering inner peace, hope, and acceptance through practices such as prayer, temple worship, chanting, and family support. Caregivers viewed themselves as facilitators of both spiritual and emotional well-being while simultaneously facing emotional exhaustion, caregiving demands, and limited access to spiritual support services. Significance of results. The findings demonstrate that spiritual care is a shared responsibility between healthcare professionals and family caregivers in palliative care. Recognizing and supporting culturally grounded spiritual practices may strengthen holistic nursing care, promote family-centered care, and enhance the quality of palliative services for culturally diverse populations.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	family caregivers; Hinduism; palliative care; qualitative research; spiritual care
Subjects:	R Medicine > RT Nursing R Medicine > RT Nursing > RT85 Nursing Ethics R Medicine > RT Nursing > RT85.2 Religious aspects R Medicine > RT Nursing > RT86.3 Nurse and patient
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Nursing > Department of Professional Nursing Studies Kulliyyah of Nursing
Depositing User:	Mr Mohamad Firdaus Mohamad Ismail
Date Deposited:	22 Oct 2026 10:06
Last Update:	22 Oct 2026 10:06
Queue Number:	2026-10-Q5811
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/132226
Indexed In:	WOS and SCOPUS

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