Relationship Between Spiritual Health and Empathy With the Patients of Medical Students

Background and Objectives: Spiritual health and empathy are crucial components of medical education, influencing patient care and the well-being of healthcare providers. This research aimed to investigate the correlation between spiritual health and empathy among medical students and assess the impact of demographic factors on these dimensions. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted among medical interns at Zahedan University of Medical Sciences during the 2022–2023 academic year. Data were collected using the Poltzen and Ericsson spiritual well-being scale (SWBS) and the Jefferson empathy scale for students. Statistical analyses included Pearson’s correlation coefficient and independent t-tests. Results: The empathy with the patient has a direct and significant relationship with the spiritual health of students (r=0.178, P=0.044). Significant positive correlations were found between spiritual health dimensions and empathy subscales, particularly in the “empathetic care” and “putting oneself in the patient’s position” subscales. Female students demonstrated significantly higher scores in both empathy and spiritual health. Conclusion: A significant positive relationship was observed between spiritual health and empathy among medical students, emphasizing the need to integrate spiritual well-being programs into medical education to enhance empathetic patient care.