Religion in the treatment of chronic kidney disease: a comparison between doctors and patients

Abstract Chronic kidney disease is a disease with high morbidity and mortality. The daily life of affected patients includes negative feelings, fear of prognosis, disability, and economic dependence, as well as challenges related to changes in self-image. Religion and spirituality can be important resources in dealing with these difficulties. To test this hypothesis a qualitative, descriptive study was undertaken at the Hospital das Clínicas Samuel Libânio, Pouso Alegre/MG, in order to verify from the point of view of both doctors and patients if they believe that religion influences the treatment of the disease. For doctors, religion represents a strength and a comfort when facing any disease. Patients, however, identify religion with the hope that they will get better. While the significance of religion in their lives was different between the groups, both agreed that it represents a beneficial factor in the life of patients, providing relief, support and optimism.