Spiritual Health Status and Related Factors Among Medical Students in Kermanshah

Abstract

Background: Spirituality constitutes an integral aspect of health, encompassing religiosity and spirituality, and is deemed essential alongside physical, mental, and social well-being, contributing to individual and societal health development. Objectives: This study aims to assess the level of spiritual health and its associated factors among medical students at Kermanshah Medical School. Methods: This research employed a cross-sectional descriptive design. The study population comprised 258 medical students in Kermanshah, selected through random and available sampling methods. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire for evaluating spiritual health in Iranian society, developed by the Academy of Medical Sciences. The questionnaire consists of 48 items, measuring behavioral, attitudinal, and perceptual dimensions. Its reliability and validity have been established by Amiri et al. using Cronbach's alpha method. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-23 software. Results: The mean age of participants was 21.59 years, with 50.4% females and 94.6% single individuals. A majority (59.3%) were enrolled in basic science, and 73.4% lived with their parents. The average spiritual health score among students was 205.03. Female and single students scored higher than male and married counterparts, respectively. Additionally, students residing in dormitories or private homes scored higher than those living with their parents. There was a significant difference between genders and academic disciplines, particularly in the dimensions of attitude and overall spiritual health. Moreover, students' living arrangements significantly influenced their scores in terms of attitude and overall spiritual health. Conclusions: The overall spiritual health score among medical students was relatively low, with higher scores observed in the areas of attitude and perception compared to behavioral aspects.