The Relationship Between Spiritual Health and Depression and Anxiety Among Covid-19 Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study Publisher



Mokhtari R ; Abdi K ; Golitaleb M ; Safdari A
Source: International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences Published:2026

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected mental health worldwide, particularly among patients with the disease. Spiritual health may influence psychological resilience and adaptation. This study examined the relationship between spiritual health, depression, and anxiety in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Iran. Materials & Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 patients admitted to Amiralmomenin Hospital, Arak, Iran, using convenience sampling between June and December 2022. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Ellison & Paloutzian Spiritual Health Questionnaire, the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale (CDAS), and the Beck Depression Inventory. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, applying descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results More than half of the participants reported minimal levels of depression and COVID-19–related anxiety. Depression was significantly and positively correlated with mental anxiety (rs = 0.250, p < 0.001) and physical anxiety (rs = 0.292, p < 0.001). Religious well-being showed a statistically significant positive correlation with physical anxiety (rs = 0.143, p = 0.043), while no significant correlations were observed between religious or existential well-being and depression. Existential well-being was significantly correlated with religious well-being (rs = 0.401, p < 0.001). No significant differences in depression, anxiety, or spiritual health scores were observed according to sex or marital status. Conclusion Depression was associated with COVID-19–related anxiety, while spiritual health showed no significant link with depression. These findings highlight the importance of addressing mental health in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. © 2025 The Authors.