Religiosity for terminal illness scale; Development and initial validation among hepatitis patients

Objective: To highlight the significance of religiosity for patients suffering from terminal hepatitis to cope with their ailments. Methodology: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in five district headquarters hospitals of Punjab. A sample of 500 terminally ill hepatic patients was interviewed. Results: The results of exploratory factor analysis showed that there were three constructs of religiosity namely; religious expectations, religious practices and religious beliefs. Hepatitis patients felt that they direly need religiosity to cope with their illness. Conclusion: The study suggested that behavioral and religious aspect is significant in treating Hepatitis-C patients. Religiosity provides a reliable support to chronically ill patients.