ABSTRACT
Background and purpose: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease with a death rate of 1-5%. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between spiritual health and the effects of grief from the loss of loved one due to COVID-19. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 312 family members of the deceased COVID-19 patients in Mashhad, Iran, April-September 2020. Non-randomized sampling was performed and data were collected online using the Grief Experience Questionnaire (GEQ-34) and the Spiritual Well Being Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive tests and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: According to findings, the highest score in dimensions of grief experience was found for the dimension of stigma (3.89±0.54), followed by the attempt to justify and cope with the absence of the deceased person (3.49±0.43), and judgment of the person or others about the cause of death (3.23±0.37). The highest relationship between spiritual health and reducing the effects of grief was seen in the dimensions of embarrassment and shame (r=-0.593), guilt (r=-0.566), and abandonment (r=-0.535). Conclusion: Abnormal grief in the family of deceased COVID-19 patients is common which could have a negative impact on physical, mental, social, and functional health. So, social support and strengthening spiritual health are needed to reduce the effects of grief in bereaved survivors.
ABSTRACT
Background and purpose: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease with a death rate of 1-5%. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between spiritual health and the effects of grief from the loss of loved one due to COVID-19. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 312 family members of the deceased COVID-19 patients in Mashhad, Iran, April-September 2020. Non-randomized sampling was performed and data were collected online using the Grief Experience Questionnaire (GEQ-34) and the Spiritual Well Being Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive tests and Pearson correlation coefficient.