Understanding spiritual well-being in patients with systemic sclerosis and its effect on the illness: a scoping review

Clin Rheumatol. 2025 Sep 17. doi: 10.1007/s10067-025-07689-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Spirituality has become an increasingly important domain of care in chronic diseases, yet little is known about its impact in systemic sclerosis (SSc), a rare autoimmune condition associated with high psychosocial burden. Understanding the spiritual well-being of these patients may offer important insights into coping, quality of life, and patient-centered interventions.

METHODS: This scoping review followed PRISMA guidelines and included a comprehensive search of five databases for studies addressing spirituality in patients with SSc. We extracted demographic and methodological details from each study and assessed quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) criteria.

RESULTS: Ten studies met inclusion criteria. Spirituality was frequently associated with improved psychological outcomes, including reduced depression and anxiety, increased life satisfaction, and greater resilience. Instruments used to assess spirituality included FACIT-Sp, MI-RSWB, and STS, among others. However, heterogeneity in methodology and limited focus on SSc-specific populations remain notable.

CONCLUSION: Spiritual well-being plays a significant role in the lived experience of patients with SSc. Future studies should standardize measurement tools and examine culturally sensitive, spirituality-integrated interventions. Incorporating spiritual assessment into rheumatologic care may enhance patient outcomes. Key Points •Spiritual well-being is increasingly recognized as a critical domain of health in patients with chronic illnesses, including systemic sclerosis. •Spirituality is a relevant and influential factor in the lived experience of SSc. It affects not only how patients understand and cope with their illness but also how they engage with healthcare systems. •Spirituality was frequently associated with improved psychological outcomes, including reduced depression and anxiety, increased life satisfaction, and greater resilience.

PMID:40960582 | DOI:10.1007/s10067-025-07689-1