Background. Religious habits constitute an important component in many people's lives, and this importance seems to increase with the onset of middle age. The aim of this study was to identify the existence of religious habits, before and after surgery, of patients who underwent amputation of lower limbs.
Material and methods. Twelve patients, eleven men and one woman, were included in the study, with ages ranging from 24 to 73 years (mean age 61.5 years). The method of evaluation was by means of an individual questionnaire, especially elaborated for this research, regarding some religious customs classified as either institutional or non-institutional. The patients were requested to complete the questionnaire before the surgery, immediately after the surgery before being released from hospital, and when they returned for a check-up. Normal ethical considerations were complied with including approval of the local Ethics Research Committee. For statistical analysis, percentages were utilized.
Results. A total of 83.33% said they were Catholics, 8.33% said they were spiritualists, and 8.33% reported to be protestants. The majority (91.66%) reported that religion was an important factor in the process of accepting the illness. Before the amputation, their religious habits included praying (91.66%), frequenting church (83.33%), watching or listening to religious services (25%), contact with friends from the church (83.33%), and participating in religious events (41.66%).
Conclusions. Religious habits help patients deal with the stress caused by amputation. Even if some of the habits are reduced due to with the purpose of providing some acceptance of the act of surgery and to reduce the symptoms of stress caused.