Peer-reviewed article

Investigating spiritual health and social well-being and its relationship with the attitude towards childbearing among nurses.

Karimi M, Zareipour M, Mehraji F, Zayer M · 15 Jun 2026

Abstract

Background Although spiritual health and social well-being can influence attitudes toward childbearing, little is known about their combined role among nurses. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between spiritual health and social well-being with attitudes toward childbearing among nurses working at Khoy University of Medical Sciences. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted using stratified random sampling and involved 320 employed nurses at the university. The data collection instrument comprised a questionnaire that included demographic characteristics, measures of spiritual health, social well-being, and attitudes toward childbearing. The relationships among the variables were analyzed using statistical tests, including correlation coefficients, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple linear regression. Results The mean scores for spiritual health, social well-being, and attitude toward childbearing were 79.89 ± 15.93, 61.69 ± 9.74, and 57.00 ± 11.14, respectively. Spiritual health was significantly associated with attitude toward childbearing (β = 0.11, p = 0.007), and social well-being was also significantly associated with attitude toward childbearing (β = 0.10, p = 0.006). Among demographic variables, age (p = 0.004), education level (p = 0.006), economic status (p = 0.002), and number of children (p < 0.002) showed significant associations with attitude toward childbearing. The existential dimension of spiritual health (β = 0.22, p = 0.007) and the integration (β = 0.79, p < 0.001) and acceptance (β = 0.37, p = 0.046) dimensions of social well-being were the most influential factors. Conclusions This study highlights the significance of spiritual health and social well-being in shaping nurses' attitudes toward childbearing. Therefore, it is recommended that suitable educational and supportive programs be developed to enhance the spiritual and social health of nurses, which may aid in improving their decision-making regarding childbearing. By fostering these aspects, healthcare organizations can contribute to more positive attitudes and informed choices among nurses relating to parenting and family planning.