Measures of Religiosity and Spirituality Used in Spanish-Speaking Health Contexts and Health Research and Their Conception of Religiosity/Spirituality: A Systematic Review

Background Research on religiosity and spirituality (R/S) in health is growing in Spain and other Spanish-speaking contexts. Reliable instruments are needed to assess these constructs, reflecting the variety of conceptualizations used. Objectives The objective of this systematic review was to identify and categorize Spanish-adapted measures used in health contexts and health-related research in Spain and Latin America, as well as to determine the conception of R/S used by these measures. Method A primary search was conducted using a strategy based on terms related to religiosity/spirituality, measurement, health, and Spanish-speaking contexts, complemented by a secondary search in additional sources. Results A total of 110 relevant studies was obtained, through which 56 Spanish-language measures were recognized, categorized as measures of broader constructs including a spiritual dimension (n = 11), functional measures (n = 27) and substantive measures (n = 18). These instruments assessed a large number of aspects (meaning in life, spiritual well-being, hope, spiritual needs, religious coping, etc.), which encompass different established conceptions of R/S. Overall, while some measures show robust psychometric evidence, the majority of instruments present incomplete or limited psychometric data, with several lacking full validation in Spanish. Conclusion The identified measures provide some useful options to assess R/S in Spanish-speaking health contexts and health research, although in most cases caution is warranted or their use is not recommended. Priority may be given to tools with stronger psychometric evidence, particularly the GES Questionnaire. Researchers and practitioners should balance conceptual focus and psychometric quality when selecting a measure.