PW01-106 - Evaluation Of The Effect Of Religiosity On Mental Health Of Nursing Students In Northern Greece

Abstract

Introduction

Religious and spiritual beliefs are widely recognized as important components of human wellness, of health care outcomes and of holistic medical and nursing care. There are controversial data suggesting a correlation between religiosity and mental health disorders among young adults and students. Aim of the study was to determine the association between self-esteem, depression and religious and spiritual beliefs among nursing students in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Methods

A total of 122 students agreed to participate in the study. Data was collected using the Greek versions of three self-administered, structured, pre-tested questionnaires: I) The Royal Free Interview for Religious and Spiritual Beliefs II) Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and III) Rosenberg self-esteem scale.

Results

Self-esteem was found normal in 89,3% of the students, low in 10,7%, but it is important to notice that nobody reported high self-esteem levels. The vast majority of the students (61,5%) reported both religious and spiritual beliefs. 27% reported only religious beliefs and 9% only spiritual beliefs. 31,9% of the students perceived depressive symptoms, most of them in mild levels (19,5%). Praying, religious reading and religious attendance were associated with normal self-esteem and low depressive symptoms. However, a consistent negative correlation was found between intrinsic religiosity and depression.

Discussion

These findings indicate that religious and spiritual variables influence the psychological well-being of students. Religiosity may have a protective role against depression; however, our study sample is relative small and further studies are required in order to evaluate the effect of religious beliefs on the mental health of students.