Spirituality in children with complex chronic conditions and their caregivers

Abstract

This study investigated how children and adolescents with complex chronic conditions under palliative
care and their families experience spirituality. To this end, an integrative literature review was
conducted, with searches in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases between August and
September 2024. Fourteen articles that corresponded to the scope of this study were selected and most
were qualitative. Thematic categorical analysis identified three categories: patients’ spiritual perceptions
and needs; factors influencing the experience of spirituality, such as age, diagnosis, and family context;
and spirituality as a coping strategy for family members to promote emotional well-being. The results
indicate that spirituality is fundamental to comprehensive care, as it promotes resilience and adaptation
to illness. This dimension is influenced by multiple factors and constitutes an essential resource for
coping with emotional and existential challenges. Its systematic inclusion in pediatric palliative care is
recommended to improve the well-being of patients and family members.