THE USE OF BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY ENHANCING SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING OF CANCER PATIENTS AFFECTED BY DISEASE AND CHEMOTHERAPY IN CHIANG KHAM HOSPITAL, PHAYAO PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aimed to: 1) examine the conditions and levels of spiritual well-being in cancer patients affected by the disease and chemotherapy, 2) explore Buddhist philosophical principles used to enhance spiritual well-being, and 3) propose a model and evaluate the effects of applying Buddhist philosophy to enhance the spiritual well-being of cancer patients at Chiang Kham Hospital, Phayao Province. This mixed-method research integrates both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative study involved 18 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, selected through purposive sampling using G*Power software. Research instruments included questionnaires, follow-up records, and interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The qualitative study utilized in-depth interviews with nine key informants, and thematic analysis was applied.

The research found that:

1) the spiritual well-being of cancer patients before applying Buddhist philosophy was at a moderate level (  = 2.79, S.D. = 0.31), which increased to a high level after applying Buddhist principles (  = 4.31, S.D. = 0.13).

2) Patients who followed Buddhist philosophy showed a statistically significant improvement in spiritual well-being at the .01 level.

3) the Buddhist philosophical model consisted of three components: the Three Characteristics (Tilakkhaṇa), the Four Noble Truths (Ariyasacca 4), and the Four Bhāvanā (Bhāvanā 4). These principles helped patients accept the impermanence of life, reduce suffering, and develop mindfulness and inner peace. The application of Buddhist philosophy effectively enhanced spiritual well-being in cancer patients.