The spiritual health of students upon entering Mashhad University of Medical Sciences

Document Type : Original article

Authors

1 Social Determinant of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Assistant Professor, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Pediatric Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

3 PhD in Islamic Philosophy and Theology, Religion and Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

4 Associate Professor, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Religion and Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

10.22038/nnj.2026.93481.1528

Abstract

Background and Aims: Assessing the spiritual health of students at the time of university entry is essential for educational planning and supportive interventions. This study aimed to determine the level of spiritual health among newly admitted students at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in 2024.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 on 473 newly admitted students at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences using a census sampling method. Data were collected using the Iranian Spiritual Health Questionnaire, the validity and reliability of which had been confirmed in previous studies. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 through descriptive statistics and correlation tests.
Results: The mean score of students’ spiritual health was 78.31 ± 15.33. The highest mean score was related to the insight dimension, while the lowest mean score was observed in the behavior dimension. The findings revealed a positive and statistically significant correlation among the dimensions of spiritual health (insight, tendency, and behavior) (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The results indicate that higher spiritual insight is associated with greater spiritual tendency and behavior, and these three dimensions change simultaneously and in alignment with each other. Strengthening spiritual insight and tendency may contribute to the enhancement of students’ spiritual behaviors. These findings can be utilized in designing educational programs and interventions aimed at promoting spiritual health among newly admitted medical sciences students.

Keywords


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