Exploring How Spiritual Care Enhances Quality of Life in Children with Leukemia: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Context: Leukemia is recognized as one of the most common malignancies in children, significantly influencing their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of health. Objectives: This systematic review aims to explore and synthesize existing evidence on the role of spiritual care in improving the quality of life among children diagnosed with leukemia, based on findings from 13 studies published between 2010 and 2025. Methods: From the initial search that yielded 2,854 records, 99 articles were selected for full-text screening after removing duplicates and reviewing the title/abstract, of which 13 met the inclusion criteria between January 2010 and March 2025. These studies examined the psychosocial experiences of parents whose children were receiving chemotherapy. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and SID using a set of predefined keywords. Two independent reviewers performed the screening and data extraction procedures. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), and the critical appraisal skills programme (CASP) checklist. Both qualitative and quantitative data were synthesized using a thematic analysis approach. Results: Spiritual care approaches, including counseling, meditation, prayer, and supportive spiritual presence, were found to enhance psychological resilience, social adaptation, and spiritual well-being in children with leukemia. Reported benefits included reduced anxiety, greater hope for the future, and an enhanced sense of meaning and purpose in life. Conclusions: The findings highlight spiritual care as a valuable complementary intervention for improving the overall quality of life in children living with leukemia. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to incorporate structured educational programs and tailored spiritual interventions into routine care to address the unique needs of this group.