The role of religious beliefs and spirituality on the quality of life of rare diseases patients

This study explored the relationship between religious beliefs and spiritual beliefs and the quality of life of Romanian rare disease patients. Specifically, the study, firstly, analyzed the correlations between self-reported life satisfaction and participants' beliefs in heaven, afterlife and God. Secondly, correlations between self-reported optimism and participants' belief in the role of spirituality and life meaning were studied. Thirdly, the relationship between self-reported health and church attendance, importance of church and importance God for Romanian rare disease patients were examined. Implications for social workers, counselors and health providers were also discussed.