| Learning Objective #1: Describe strengths and limitations of secondary data analysis | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Explain possible reasons for gender differences in spiritual perspective |
Objective: Only one study was found comparing spirituality between men and women. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to describe spiritual perspective, assess gender differences in spiritual perspective, and explore relationships among demographic characteristics and spiritual perspective as reported by persons with HIV/AIDS. Design: The study was a secondary analysis of data collected in two descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional studies. Population, Sample, Setting, Years: The population was persons living with HIV infection who were receiving medical care or social services. The sample included 184 participants (men = 67, women = 117) approached in health clinics, support groups, or community agencies. The first study was conducted 1995-1997 and the second 1999-2001. Variables Studied: Spiritual perspective, race/ethnicity, relationship status, education, and employment were the variables studied. Methods: Participants had provided pencil-paper responses on Reed’s Spiritual Perspective Scale and a demographic questionnaire in the original studies. Data related to the selected variables were merged into a single database and analyzed to address the study questions. Findings: The mean spiritual perspective scores (range 1 to 6) were 4.84 (SD = 1.06) for men and 5.08 (SD = .77). One-way ANOVA showed significant differences on 2 items. Conclusions: Persons with HIV/AIDS reported high levels of spiritual perspective. No statistically significant relationships between demographic variables and spiritual perspective were found. Significant gender differences were that women more frequently read spiritually related material and sought spiritual guidance in making daily decisions. Implications: Due to the potential influence on quality of life, spiritual perspective warrants continued study among persons with HIV/AIDS. Nurses in practice need to assess and facilitate spirituality since persons with HIV/AIDS value it as a resource for coping.
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Back to 14th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
10-12 July 2003