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

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

doi:10.18502/ijme.v22i24.21082

Akram Heidari Professor, Spiritual Health Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
Morteza Heidari Assistant professor, School of Health and Religion, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
Baqer Larijani Emeritus Professor, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Ali Mohammad Mosadeqrad MSc Students, School of Health and Religion, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom,; Professor, School of public health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijme.v22i24.21082

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

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.