Health-related quality of life in women with various levels of spiritual health

Women Health. 2023 May-Jun;63(5):392-401. doi: 10.1080/03630242.2023.2223674. Epub 2023 Jun 11.

Abstract

This study investigates for the first time the relationship between spiritual health (SH) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in different periods of life in healthy women, which could be important in the current critical post-pandemic situation. We recruited data from 2238 healthy women in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) framework, performed a cross-sectional study, and divided them into four age groups: 1) 20-34, 2) 35-44, 3) 45-54, and 4) 55≤ years. HRQoL and SH were measured using Short-Form 12-Item Health Survey version 2 and spiritual health inventory in Muslim adults (SHIMA-48). We defined low and high SH as the first and third tertile of SHIMA-48 scores. Most participants were in the first age group (39 percent), were married (74.7 percent), and were housewives (74.7 percent). The mean mental component summary score and its domains were directly associated with age. This subscale was significantly higher in individuals with high SH scores in all age groups. However, except for general health, other physical subscales did not differ significantly between the two levels of SH among the age groups studied. Results indicate higher HRQoL, especially mental health, in healthy women with increased spiritual well-being. This finding can be used in programs to improve psychological health in women.

Keywords: Aging; health-related quality of life; spiritual well-being; women.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Status*
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Iran
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life*