“God gives me hope!”: Hospitalized children's perception of the influence of religion in coping with chronic illness

Purpose The mechanism of the impact of religion on health is still unclear, especially in children and adolescents with chronic illness who live in religious contexts. This study aimed to understand the influence of religion on coping with chronic diseases from the perspective of hospitalized children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer, type 1 diabetes mellitus and cystic fibrosis. Design and methods Qualitative descriptive research used photo-elicitation interviews with 35 Brazilian children and adolescents with cancer, type 1 diabetes mellitus and cystic fibrosis, aged between 7 and 17 years old. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyze qualitative data. Results Participants were diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (14.3%), cancer (57.1%), and type 1 diabetes mellitus (28.6%) and 82.9% had a religious affiliation. Three themes were constructed: finding strength and support in the relationship with the divine, religion as an important source of meaning, and religious practice as a promoter of well-being. These themes demonstrate that children and adolescents themselves perceived their illness as a journey through which their faith grew. Conclusions This research shows the influence of religion on the positive coping of chronic illness, being a source of strength and support from the relationship with the divine, as well as offering a source of meaning, purpose and well-being based on religious practices. Practice implications This study supports clinical practice, based on the recognition of the patient as a religious and spiritualized person who has spiritual beliefs and needs that are capable of influencing treatment.