- 1Author
Affiliations: Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore,
Maryland (Dr Hamilton and Mss Kurtz and Cudjoe); Sisters Network, Inc,
Triangle Chapter, Durham, North Carolina (Ms Worthy); H. Lee Moffitt
Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida (Dr Johnstone).
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Acupuncture,
acupressure, yoga, meditation, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and, to
a lesser extent, music are among those integrative and complementary
therapies with known beneficial effects on psychological symptoms.
However, noticeably absent from this research is the use of religious
song as a type of integrative and complementary therapy.
OBJECTIVE:
The
aim of this study was to explore how religious songs were used to
alleviate psychological symptoms associated with a cancer diagnosis
among a sample of older African American cancer survivors.
DESIGN AND METHODS:
Thirty-one
older African American cancer survivors residing in the Southeastern US
participated in a qualitative descriptive study involving criterion
sampling, open-ended semistructured interviews, and qualitative content
analysis.
RESULTS:
Participants
used religious songs in response to feeling depressed, low, or sad;
feeling weak and seeking strength to endure treatment; and feeling
worried, anxious, or fearful. Religious songs were also a source of
support and hope. Types of religious songs included instructive, thanksgiving and praise, memory of forefathers, communication with God, and life after death.
CONCLUSION:
Religious
songs appear to be an important form of religious expression in this
population and used to manage psychological symptoms.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:
Integrative
and complementary oncology therapy has generally focused on yoga,
meditation, acupuncture, and cognitive-behavioral techniques. However,
religious songs are an important strategy used among older African
American cancer patients. Religious songs can be readily integrated into
cancer care. The incorporation of religious songs into spiritually
based support groups and other integrative and complementary therapies
might enhance health outcomes among this medically underserved cancer
population.
