Satisfaction with spiritual needs and perception of physical health as determinants of depressive symptoms in patients with cancer: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Depressive symptoms are common among patients with cancer, yet psychological and spiritual care often receive less attention than medical treatment. This study examined satisfaction with spiritual needs, measured by the validated C-SpIRIT instrument covering five spirituality domains, and self-perception of physical health, defined as patients' subjective assessment of their overall physical condition, as determinants of depressive symptoms. The findings highlight the importance of integrating physical and spiritual care in holistic nursing practice. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey design was used to approach 145 patients with cancer (aged ≥ 20 years). Clinical and demographic data were collected in addition to self-report questionnaires for personal profile, satisfaction with spiritual needs, perception of physical health, and the degree of depressive symptoms. Pearson's correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationships among the aforementioned variables. Additionally, multiple regression analysis with a stepwise method was used to identify the determinants of depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Both satisfaction with spiritual needs and the perception of physical health were identified as determinants of depressive symptoms in patients with cancer, accounting for 20.3% and 7.4% of the variance, respectively, and showing significant negative correlations with these symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In clinical nursing care, conducting a comprehensive assessment of spiritual needs and evaluating the perception of physical health is the initial step in identifying depressive symptoms in patients with cancer. The designated nursing staff must try to address the spiritual needs and enhance the self-perception of physical health among these patients to ensure their mental well-being.