A comparative study of spiritual health in HIV-positive patients and healthy individuals

Abstract Given the role and importance of spiritual well-being in individuals living with AIDS and the role of psychological interventions on the spiritual components of these patients, the present study was conducted to study and examine the spiritual well-being of HIV-positive patients and compare it with healthy individuals. This was a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study conducted in Mashhad (a metropolitan area in northeast of Iran) in 2021. A census method was employed for the research, involving HIV-positive patients and a random sample of healthy individuals visiting the Comprehensive Health Center, who participated after giving informed consent. The demographic form and the Spiritual Well-Being Questionnaire (SWBQ) were completed by the patients. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 11.5), and the significance level was considered at p < 0.05. A total of 201 participants entered the study with a mean age of 38.29 ± 10.53 years, including 102 HIV-positive patients and 99 healthy individuals. The total spiritual well-being score in the HIV group was 77 (57–84), while the healthy group scored 100 (88–107) ( P < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that occupation and HIV infection were two significant variables in the model for prediction the total spiritual well-being score. The total score of AIDS patients on the Spiritual Well-Being Questionnaire was significantly lower than that of healthy individuals. It is recommended that the health system authorities take action to increase the spiritual well-being of HIV-positive patients.