The Relationship between Spiritual Well-being and Family Cohesion in Patients with Thalassemia Major

Introduction: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between spiritual well-being and family cohesion among people with thalassemia Major. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 101 patients with thalassemia major of Dezful Large Hospital in 2015. Data were collected by three questionnaires: demographic data, Standard Spiritual Well-being Scale by Daaleman and Frey and Moos Family Cohesion Scale. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 18 statistical test, Pearson correlation and linear regression with a significance level of p<0.05. Results: The average score of spiritual well-being and self-efficacy subscales were 9.66 ± 34.58 and 9.66 ± 14.68, respectively; which indicates the average level of these variables. Linear regression test results also showed that there was a statistically significant (p<0.05) relationship between spiritual well-being and family cohesion (B=0.25) and between selfefficacy and family cohesion (B=0.24); but there was no significant relationship between life scheme and family cohesion (B=0.16) (p=0.10). Conclusion: In this study it was observed that a significant direct correlation exists between spiritual well-being and family cohesion. The role of the family as the main supportive institution against the challenges of life is undeniable. Hence, by increasing the level of spiritual well-being of the patients some steps can be taken to promote the cohesion of patients’ families in order to decrease their spiritual and physical problems.