The Necessity of Spiritual Health Education in Iranian Universities of Medical Sciences: A Qualitative Study

Heidari, Akram; Heidari, Morteza; Larijani, Baqer; Mosadeqrad, Ali Mohammad

doi:10.18502/ijme.v22i24.21082

Volume 18, Issue 1 (3-2025) IJMEHM 2025, 18(1): 1-22 | Back to browse issues page

‎ 10.18502/ijme.v22i24.21082

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Heidari A, Heidari M, Larijani B, Mosadeqrad A M. The Necessity of Spiritual Health Education in Iranian Universities of Medical Sciences: A Qualitative Study. IJMEHM 2025; 18 (1) : 24
URL: http://ijme.tums.ac.ir/article-1-6863-en.html

The Necessity of Spiritual Health Education in Iranian Universities of Medical Sciences: A Qualitative Study

Akram Heidari¹, Morteza Heidari², Baqer Larijani³, Ali Mohammad Mosadeqrad ^*⁴

1- Professor, Spiritual Health Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
2- Assistant Professor, School of Health and Religion, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
3- Emeritus Professor, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4- MSc Students, School of Health and Religion, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran; Professor, School of Public Hhealth, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract: (130 Views)

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.

Article number: 24

Keywords: Spiritual health, Education, University of medical sciences, Professional ethics, Medical ethics

Full-Text [PDF 1659 kb] (44 Downloads)

Type of Study: Research | Subject: Ethics in Public Health
Received: 2025/02/2 | Revised: 2026/02/21 | Accepted: 2025/03/17 | Published: 2025/03/21