Spirituality and Its Association with Quality of Life among Patients with Mood Disorders in Kelantan

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Mood disorders, such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder, deeply affect a person’s spirituality and Quality of Life (QoL). While spirituality is a vital part of mental health care, especially in deeply religious communities like Kelantan, Malaysia, local research on this connection remains limited. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2024 and May 2025 at two major hospitals in Kota Bharu. We recruited adults (aged 18–60) diagnosed with mood disorders. Participants completed validated Malay versions of questionnaires measuring spiritual well-being, depression severity, and QoL, while clinicians assessed mania severity. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29.0. RESULTS: Among the 169 participants, the majority were female (73.4%), Malay (93.5%), and Muslim (94.7%). Most reported moderate spiritual well-being (75.7%) and moderate average QoL scores. Regression analysis showed that being married (adjusted b=3.92, p=0.034), being female (adjusted b=5.66, p=0.007), having milder depression (adjusted b=-0.56, p<0.001), and having higher mania scores (adjusted b=0.52, p=0.030) predicted better spiritual well-being. Additionally, better psychological (adjusted b=0.28, p<0.001) and environmental QoL (adjusted b=0.36, p<0.001) strongly predicted higher spirituality. Overall, spirituality was strongly tied to all areas of QoL. CONCLUSION: Demographic factors, symptom severity, and everyday quality of life are closely linked to a patient's spiritual well-being. In highly religious communities, bringing spiritual assessments and care into standard psychiatric practice is essential for truly holistic healing.