A Study of Patients' Meaning in Life at Siriraj Palliative Care Center

Abstract

Abstract Background: Understanding the meaning of life is crucial, especially for patients at the end of their journey. This comprehension improves mental resilience, correlates with a better quality of life, and acts as a buffer against emotional distress. Aim: This study investigates the prevalence of palliative patients who grasp this meaning within themselves. Design: Conducted as a prospective cohort observational clinical study, this research utilized the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), collecting demographic data, age, gender, and individual interpretations of life's meaning. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics for frequencies and percentages, along with content analysis to delve into patients' perspectives. Setting/participants: The study included patients 18 or older with incurable diseases, a life expectancy less than one year, and effective communication skills. Result: The study comprised 107 palliative patients, 41.1% male and 58.9% female. The findings showed that 76.6% of the participants had a sense of life's meaning, which was highly individualistic. The content analysis revealed eight themes, with 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%). Conclusions: The essence of spirituality, integral to the meaning of life, plays a crucial role in palliative care, enhancing the overall quality of life, especially in life's poignant moments. Patients predominantly embark on personal quests for meaning, with familial bonds standing out as a significant motif, attesting to the profound interpersonal relationships woven into their existence