Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Analyzing the Relationship between Perceived Stress and Religiosity Among Women Referring to Health Centers

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors
Ashraf sadat Dehghani 1
Rahman Panahi 2
Ali Asghar Haeri Mehrizi 2
Fatemeh Mahdizadeh 3
Leyla Nateghi 3
Nooshin Peyman 4
1 PhD Student, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2 Health Metrics Research Center, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
3 Student, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
4 Professor, Department of Health Education & Promotion Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
10.48305/jims.v43.i843.1721
Abstract
Background: Stress is a reaction to perceived internal or external pressures that, if severe, affects various aspects of life. Research shows that religious beliefs are among the factors affecting the mental health of adults and can play an important role in reducing stress and promoting psychological adjustment. Therefore, given the effective role of religiosity in stress management and the position of women in the family, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between perceived stress and religiosity in women.
Methods: In a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study, 251 women referring to health centers in Qain city, Iran in 2024 were selected to participate in the study through simple random sampling. Data collection tools included demographic and background characteristics and standard questionnaires to measure perceived stress and religiosity. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Logistic Regression test.
Findings: Both perceived stress and religiosity were at moderate levels. According to the results of multiple logistic regression, only religiosity was an an influencing factor on women's perceived stress, such that for more religious individuals, the odds of being stress-free were only 2% lower.
Conclusion: Religiosity was significantly associated with reduced perceived stress in women, although this relationship was weak. Cultural factors, social roles, and lifestyle can play a mediating role in this relationship. It is recommended to pay attention to spiritual dimensions along with other psychological and social factors in programs to promote women's mental health.

Highlights

Rahman Panahi: Google Scholar

Ali Asghar Haeri Mehrizi: Google Scholar

Nooshin Peyman: Google Scholar, PubMed

Keywords
Spirituality
Psychological stress
Women
Subjects
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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 43, Issue 843
3rd Week, February
January and February 2026
Pages 1721-1727

  • Receive Date 11 August 2025
  • Accept Date 18 February 2026