Sadra Medical Journal

Assessment and Comparative Analysis of Spiritual Health Among Clinical and Non-Clinical Faculty Members at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Using a Researcher-Made Questionnaire in 2023

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Abdollah Gholami 1
Marzeyeh Doostfatemeh 2
Hafez Shojaaldini 3
Mohammadreza Bayatkashkooli 3
Saeedeh Pourahmad 2

1 Department of Islamic Studies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Islamic Knowledge and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

2 Departement of Biostatisctics, School of Medical, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

3 Student Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30476/smsj.2025.105068.1589
Abstract
Introduction: Spiritual health constitutes a fundamental dimension of overall well-being that significantly influences quality of life. Given the pivotal role of academic faculty in shaping the nation’s youth, evaluating the spiritual health of faculty members using culturally appropriate instruments holds particular significance.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study included 41 clinical and 62 non-clinical faculty members from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Shiraz, Iran) in 2023. A researcher-made questionnaire, which was designed for healthy Iranian Muslim adults (Jaberi et al.), was administered. The reliability and validity of this questionnaire were previously established in Iranian populations. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 22).
Results: The mean age of the participants was 45.9±7.4 years, with a sex distribution of 46.1% women and 53.9% men. Statistical analysis indicated significantly higher spiritual health scores among non-clinical faculty members than clinical faculty members across most subscales and the total score (P<0.05). In addition, the linear regression model identified faculty type (clinical/non-clinical) and self-declared religiosity (yes/no) as significant predictors of spiritual health scores, while demographic factors including age and sex showed no significant association.
Conclusion: These findings provided valuable baseline data for developing targeted cultural workshops aimed at enhancing faculty members’ understanding of spiritual health concepts. To enhance faculty members’ understanding of spiritual health and its role in improving their quality of life and professional performance, it was recommended to implement targeted educational programs. Such initiatives would encourage individuals to actively cultivate their spiritual well-being.

Keywords

Spirituality
Faculty
Education
Empowerment
Awareness, Spiritual Health
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Sadra Medical Journal
Volume 13, Issue 3
Summer 2025
Pages 509-520

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