Investigating the Relationship between Virtual Social Networks Usage and Spiritual Health in Students of Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Iran.

Abstract

Background: Spiritual health is a fundamental dimension of holistic health. With the rapid expansion of virtual social networks (VSNs), their potential effects on health dimensions, including spiritual well-being, require investigation. This study aimed to examine the relationship between VSNs use and spiritual health among medical science students.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 2022 to 2023 on 291 students at Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Iran, selected through stratified random sampling based on academic year. Data were collected using three instruments: A demographic questionnaire, the Paloutzian and Ellison Spiritual Well-Being Scale with 20 items covering religious and existential well-being, and an 18-item researcher-made checklist assessing VSNs usage patterns. Content validity was confirmed using the Waltz and Bausell method with a Content Validity Index of 0.86. Due to non-normal data distribution, descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were applied in SPSS at a significance level of 0.05.

Results: No significant association was found between total duration of VSNs use and spiritual health scores (p = 0.315). Likewise, the type of platforms used and the main purposes of VSNs use showed no significant relationship with spiritual health (p > 0.05). However, students who used VSNs during late-night hours (1:00-4:00 AM) demonstrated significantly lower spiritual health scores (p = 0.018).

Conclusions: Overall, VSNs usage does not appear to influence spiritual health; however, timing of use is an important factor. Educational interventions should emphasize healthy digital behaviors, particularly avoiding late-night VSN use, to support spiritual well-being among medical science students in academic settings.