Religiosity, Mental Health and Quality of Life of Brazilian Medical Students: A 2-Year Follow-Up Study.

Résumé

Although studies have examined the relationship between mental health and quality of life in medical students, few have explored the influence of religiosity and its effect on a long-term period. This study aims to investigate the longitudinal relationship between religiosity, mental health and quality of life among Brazilian medical students. This is a two-year follow-up study, assessing sociodemographics, religiosity (Duke Religion Index), mental health (DASS-21) and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF). A total of 277 students were included. There were significant changes in the religious beliefs of students over time, and students exhibited low levels of religious attendance and private religious practices, but high levels of intrinsic religiosity. The results have also revealed that an increase in organizational religiosity was significantly associated with a decrease in depressive symptoms (Beta = -0.121, p = 0.044) and an increase in physical quality of life (Beta = 0.135, p = 0.031), even after adjustments.