Exploring the challenges faced by nursing students in integrating Islamic spiritual care perspectives into pain management of Muslim cancer patients

Aung, Khin Thandar and Ramzi, Nur Hasna Afifah (2026) Exploring the challenges faced by nursing students in integrating Islamic spiritual care perspectives into pain management of Muslim cancer patients. International Journal of Care Scholars, 9 (2). pp. 71-79. E-ISSN 2600-898X

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Abstract

Background: Pain involves not only physical sensations but also emotional and deep spiritual aspects for every patient, including cancer patients. In Islamic teachings, pain is viewed as a divine test and a means of spiritual purification. However, nursing students often face difficulties in incorporating these faith-based views into standard pain management, which can undermine culturally appropriate and holistic care. This study aims to explore nursing students' understanding, application, and perceived barriers in the integration of Islamic perspectives into pain management for Muslim cancer patients. Methods: This qualitative descriptive study involved thirteen (13) undergraduate nursing students from Years two (2) to four (4) at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews, and thematic analysis was conducted to interpret the transcribed data. Results: Three main themes such as (i) conceptual understanding shaped by Faith and Theory, indicating that students viewed pain as a spiritual test but felt uncertain about applying concepts such as sabr (patience) in practice; (ii) attempts at spiritual integration, where students encouraged practices like solat (prayer) and dhikr (remembrance of Allah) but lacked confidence and practical readiness; and (iii) barriers to holistic care, highlighting systemic issues such as time constraints, institutional neglect of spiritual care, and personal hesitance in addressing sensitive religious issues were highlighted. Conclusion: Incorporating structured, experiential training in Islamic spiritual care practice and bioethics into nursing curricula was recommended to prepare future nurses to deliver holistic, faith-based pain management for cancer patients

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Islamic perspectives, Nursing students, Pain management, Qualitative research, Spiritual Care
Subjects:	R Medicine > RT Nursing R Medicine > RT Nursing > RT85.2 Religious aspects
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Nursing > Department of Critical Care Nursing
Depositing User:	Dr Khin Thandar Aung
Date Deposited:	10 Jun 2026 16:58
Last Modified:	10 Jun 2026 16:58
Queue Number:	2026-06-Q3632
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/129246

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