Objective: To explore the potential role of religiosity in coping with this chronic illness.
Methodology: This hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted in five DHQ hospitals of Punjab, Pakistan and included 500 hepatitis C patients selected through multistage sampling. Patients were interviewed data collected included socio-economic and demographic characteristics and the level of religiosity in coping with illness.
Results: Out of 500 patients, 59% were female and 41% male. 36.0% belonged to age group of 25-40 years. 43.3% were illiterate and 22.8% had primary level education. 57% had less than fifteen thousand monthly income, while a little less than one fourth respondents had 16-30 thousand income. 58.4% belonged to rural areas while 40.6% respondents belonged to urban areas. 56% respondents belonged to the nuclear family while 36.8% respondents belonged to joint family system. 81.2% were married. 89.2% respondents believed God answers their prayers and 81.2% thought religious beliefs would save them on judgment day.
Conclusion: Religious coping is extensively used by patients. Significant positive relationship between religious practices/activities and the coping strategies were found.
Key words: Religiosity, beliefs, hepatitis, CLD, coping.
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