An Examination of the Relationship Between Spirituality and Life Satisfaction Among Patients Awaiting Corneal Transplantation in Türkiye

Abstract

Background: Transplant surgery significantly influences patients’ spirituality and life satisfaction, reflecting the diverse beliefs and cultures of those awaiting the procedure. Aim: This study aimed to explore the relationship between spirituality and life satisfaction in patients awaiting corneal transplantation. Methods: This relational descriptive study involved 101 patients on the waiting list for corneal transplantation. Data were collected using a Patient Information Form, the Life Satisfaction Scale, and the Spirituality Scale. Percentage distribution, arithmetic mean, and Pearson correlation analysis were employed for data analysis. Results: The majority of the participants were married (95%), with 56.4% being male and 26.7% retired. About 46.5% had completed primary education. The mean Life Satisfaction Scale score among the patients was 21.83 ± 8.96, and the mean Spirituality Scale Score was 20.49 ± 4.15 before corneal transplantation. A positive, albeit weak, relationship was found between the patients’ life satisfaction and spirituality levels, which was statistically significant (p < 0.01, r=0.37). Additionally, a weakly positive and significant correlation was noted between age and life satisfaction (p < 0.05, r=0.19). Conclusion: The study found that patients exhibited high levels of life satisfaction and spirituality, with life satisfaction increasing alongside spirituality. It was therefore concluded that care should be provided to patients with a psychosocial and emotional approach, aiming to meet their spiritual needs and enhance their life satisfaction prior to corneal transplantation.