Meaning in Life Among Urban Palliative Patients in Thailand Studying Patients’ Meaning in Life at an Urban Palliative Care Center
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Abstract
Objective: Explore the prevalence and factors influencing the sense of meaning in life among palliative care patients.
Materials and Methods: A mixed method study was conducted using the Meaning in Life Questionnaire to assess the presence and search for meaning among palliative patients. Demographic data, including age, sex, and medical history, were descriptively analyzed. In-depth interviews were performed to explore the personal interpretations of the meaning of life of the patients, and qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis.
Results: A total of 107 palliative care patients participated in the study, comprising 41.1% males and 58.9% females. The findings revealed that 76.6% of the participants reported experiencing a sense of meaning in life, which was highly individualized. Although the concept of life’s meaning varies from person to person, commonalities can still be observed. Through content analysis, these personal interpretations were categorized into eight key themes: family (77.6%), occupation (21.5%), society (15.9%), religion (11.2%), health (9.3%), finance (6.5%), education (4.7%), and specific life issues (16.8%).
Conclusion: A sense of meaning in life is integral to the well-being of palliative patients, and the family is the most influential factor. Holistic and person-centered palliative care interventions must integrate spiritual and existential dimensions to improve the quality of life of patients during their final stages.
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