Spiritual Health and Its Sociodemographic Determinants in a Rural Population: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

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Published: Apr 21, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58999/cijmr.v5i01.336
Keywords:
Spiritual Health, Rural population, sociodemographic factors, Spiritual health assessment
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Vibha Arjaria
L.N.Medical College and Research Center, Bhopal, MP, India
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9137-907X
Badrinarayan Mishra
Department of Community Medicine, Ruxmaniben Deepchand Gardi Medical College (RDGMC), Agar Road, Surasa, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India.
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6956-0469

Abstract

Introduction: Spiritual health is increasingly recognized as the fourth dimension of health; however, evidence from rural Indian populations remains limited. Understanding its association with sociodemographic factors is essential for comprehensive public health planning. This study aimed to assess the level of inclination toward spiritual health across its specified domains and to examine its association with selected sociodemographic characteristics among rural adults.


Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted at a Rural Demographic Surveillance Site from April to November 2015. A total of 430 adults aged 15–59 years were selected using random sampling. Spiritual health was assessed using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire covering three domains, with scores categorized as low, neutral, or high inclination. Data were analyzed using proportions and chi-square tests to assess associations.


Results: A statistically significant association was observed between gender and the domain search for meaning and purpose in life, with a higher proportion of males showing high inclination (83.8%) compared to females (45.2%), while females more commonly exhibited neutral responses. Males also demonstrated higher inclination in the connectedness with self domain (83% vs. 58%). Neutral responses were consistently higher among females across domains. Family type showed a significant association with search for meaning and purpose in life, with the highest inclination among participants from joint families (80.3%). Education level was significantly associated with all domains with the highest inclination among graduates.


Conclusion: Spiritual health among rural adults is influenced by gender, family structure, and educational status, highlighting the importance of spiritual dimensions into community based public health strategies.


 Keywords- Spiritual Health, Rural population, sociodemographic factors, Spiritual health assessment

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How to Cite
Arjaria, V., & Mishra, B. (2026). Spiritual Health and Its Sociodemographic Determinants in a Rural Population: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Central India Journal of Medical Research. https://doi.org/10.58999/cijmr.v5i01.336
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Online First 2026
Section
Original Research Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Author Biographies

Vibha Arjaria, L.N.Medical College and Research Center, Bhopal, MP, India

Professor,

Department Community Medicine, L.N.Medical College and Research Center, Bhopal, MP, India

Badrinarayan Mishra, Department of Community Medicine, Ruxmaniben Deepchand Gardi Medical College (RDGMC), Agar Road, Surasa, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Professor and Head,

Department of Community Medicine, Ruxmaniben Deepchand Gardi Medical College (RDGMC), Agar Road, Surasa, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India.

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