The Necessity of Spiritual Health Education in Iranian Universities of Medical Sciences: A Qualitative Study; [(پذیرفته شده در ۱۰ فوریه ۲۰۲۵ و تصویب شده در ۱۸ مارس ۲۰۲۵) نویسنده مسئول: تاکشی تاکاگی، گروه پوست، دانشکده پزشکی دانشگاه کیوشو، ۳-۱-۱ اومادیدا، هیگاشی-کو، فوکوئوکا-شی ۸۱۲-۸۵۸۲] Publisher



Heidari A ; Heidari M ; Larijani B ; Mosadeqrad AM
Source: Iranian Journal of Medical Ethics and History of Medicine Published:2025

Abstract

Spiritual health refers to having purpose and meaning in life and a sense of belonging to something beyond the self, which strengthens inner peace, satisfaction, and happiness. This qualitative study was conducted in 2024 using an interpretive phenomenological approach. Through semi-structured interviews with 47 policymakers, managers, faculty members, staff, and students, a total of 183 benefits of spiritual health education in universities of medical sciences were identified. These benefits were categorized into six groups: benefits for faculty members, students, staff, patients, society, and the university. For faculty members, spirituality education leads to enhanced ethical awareness, increased motivation, job satisfaction, professional commitment, and improved quality of education. Students, by strengthening spirituality, gain greater communication and empathy skills, experience reduced stress and anxiety, and demonstrate improved professional competencies. Healthcare staff benefit from reduced medical errors, increased resilience, improved social relationships, and enhanced quality of care. Patients receiving spiritual care experience lower levels of stress and depression, improved mental health and quality of life, and a more rapid course of treatment and recovery. At the societal level, spiritual health education contributes to more positive social behaviors and the development of a healthier community. Furthermore, universities implementing such education can design more comprehensive curricula, promote interdisciplinary research, strengthen professional ethics, and train holistically oriented healthcare professionals, thereby increasing their credibility and productivity. Spiritual health education in Iranian universities of medical sciences, by exerting positive effects on faculty members, students, staff, patients, society, and the university itself, results in the improvement of psychological and professional well-being, the enhancement of educational quality, and the increased productivity and credibility of the higher education health system of the country. © 2025 Tehran University of Medical Sciences.