Nursing Care as a Source of Spiritual and Holistic Coping: A Qualitative Study of Incarcerated Women in a Philippine Provincial Jail

Abstract

Background: Incarceration poses significant physical, psychological, and social challenges, particularly among women, who often experience compounded vulnerabilities. While nursing care is expected to be holistic, its role in supporting spiritual well-being and coping in correctional settings remains underexplored, especially in culturally distinct contexts.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of incarcerated women and examine how nursing care is perceived as a source of spiritual and holistic coping in a provincial jail in the Philippines.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was employed. Five female Meranaw incarcerated individuals were purposively selected. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic phenomenological analysis. Rigor was ensured through member checking, audit trail, and reflexivity, consistent with COREQ standards.

Results: Six major themes emerged: (1) Structural and functional constraints in care access; (2) Relational dimensions of communication, empathy, and respect; (3) Spirituality as a primary coping resource with limited integration in nursing care; (4) Meaning-making and identity preservation; (5) Nursing care as a practical but limited coping mechanism; and (6) Advocacy for improved, accessible, and compassionate healthcare services. Findings revealed that while nursing care is often fragmented and focused on physical needs, relational interactions significantly influence dignity and well-being, and spirituality remains the dominant coping mechanism.

Conclusion: Nursing care in correctional settings is structurally constrained but relationally impactful. Integrating spiritual and culturally sensitive care into nursing practice is essential to enhance holistic well-being. These findings inform the development of patient-centered correctional healthcare and provide a basis for future research on holistic nursing interventions.