Characteristics of Religious and Spiritual Beliefs of Danish Physicians: And Likelihood of Addressing Religious and Spiritual Issues with Patients

J Relig Health. 2019 Feb;58(1):333-342. doi: 10.1007/s10943-018-0662-7.

Abstract

This study investigated the association between physicians' R/S characteristics and frequency of addressing patients' R/S issues. Information was obtained through a questionnaire mailed to 1485 Danish physicians (response rate 63%) (42% female). We found significant associations between physicians' personal R/S and the frequency of addressing R/S issues. Moreover, we identified significant gender differences in most R/S characteristics. However, no differences in frequency of addressing R/S issues were identified across gender. This raises some questions regarding the effects of gender on associations between R/S characteristics and frequency of addressing R/S issues.

Keywords: Gender; Physician; Religion; Secular society; Spirituality.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Denmark
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Physician-Patient Relations*
  • Religion and Medicine*
  • Spirituality*