PSYCHOSOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS NEEDS IN THE SYSTEM OF MEDICAL CHAPLAINCY CARE AND SUPPORT: A CROSS-SECTIONAL ONLINE SURVEY AMONG CHAPLAINS AND SERVICE USERS

In the context of developing a system of psychological support based on chaplaincy service, particular attention must be paid to the socio-demographic and religious characteristics of both chaplains and recipients of their services. Objective. To analyze similarities and differences between chaplains and users of psychological support, with the aim of improving interaction formats and models of care delivery. Methods. A survey was conducted among both groups, followed by quantitative and qualitative analysis of variables such as gender, age, religious identity, preferred format of support provision/receipt, resource needs, and tolerance toward differences. Results. The majority of chaplains were male (80%) aged 26–65, while most service users were female (78%) aged 35–45. Both groups predominantly identified as Christians—87% and 92% respectively, mainly of the Orthodox tradition. Support formats were flexible: 88% of chaplains and 78% of users favored hybrid formats; readiness for crisis intervention was high (81% and 61%). Educational resources were in high demand: 98% of chaplains and 85% of users valued access to libraries of videos, books, and articles; 94% and 92%, respectively, indicated interest in thematic updates. Most respondents did not consider religious, gender, or regional alignment critical for interaction (93–95%). Conclusions. The findings indicate strong sociocultural affinity between chaplains and service users, high tolerance toward diversity, a pronounced need for educational resources, and substantial readiness to provide or receive urgent psychological support. These features should inform the development of effective strategies for chaplaincy-based mental health care.