DIGITAL ISLAMIC SPIRITUAL INTERVENTION TO IMPROVE MINDFULNESS AND REDUCE ANXIETY AMONG NURSING STUDENTS
Melati Anggraini, Supriyadi Supriyadi, Isna Hikmawati, Allaam Hadi Pranata
The Indonesian Journal of Public Health August 3, 2026 DOI: 10.20473/ijph.v21i2.2026.379-393 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Quasi-experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 45 |
| Population | Nursing students |
| Interventions | dhikr combination of both |
| Measures | Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Key findings | The intervention significantly reduced anxiety and increased mindfulness among nursing students. The combination of Qur'anic recitation and dhikr yielded the greatest anxiety reduction, while dhikr alone produced the highest mindfulness gains. |
Abstract
Introduction: University students represent a vulnerable population navigating psychosocial transitions from adolescence to adulthood. Studies indicate that 50–60% of students worldwide experience significantly elevated anxiety levels, particularly during the final stages of their academic journey. This high prevalence can impair cognitive performance and emotional well-being. Digital interventions have gained prominence for their accessibility and flexibility; however, spiritually integrated digital approaches, particularly within Islamic contexts, remain limited despite their cultural relevance and growing empirical evidence supporting their effectiveness.
Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a spiritually integrated digital intervention based on Islamic contemplation practices in reducing anxiety and enhancing mindfulness among nursing students.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest control group design, involving 45 participants allocated into three intervention groups: Qur’anic recitation, dhikr, and a combination of both. Psychological outcomes were measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Statistical analysis was conducted using paired sample t-tests, MANOVA, and post hoc comparisons.
Results: The results demonstrated a significant reduction in anxiety (mean difference = -10.267, p < 0.001) and a substantial increase in mindfulness (mean difference = -42.100, p < 0.001) after the intervention. The combination group yielded the greatest reduction in anxiety, whereas the dhikr group exhibited the highest mindfulness gains. Post hoc analysis revealed significant differences between specific intervention types.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the potential of digital interventions grounded in Islamic spirituality to regulate emotional states and cultivate mindful awareness. This culturally adapted approach may represent an effective mental health strategy in healthcare education settings.