Self-Esteem and Spirituality as Predictors of Subjective Well-Being in Osteoarthritis Patients: Insights from Indonesian Muslim Context

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis significantly affects patients not only physically but also psychologically and spiritually. Psychological factors such as self-esteem and spirituality play critical roles in determining subjective well-being, particularly among the elderly population commonly affected by this disease. Aim: This study aims to analyze the relationship and predictive influence of self-esteem and spirituality on the subjective well-being of osteoarthritis patients. Method: A descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study was conducted among 118 patients with osteoarthritis in Surabaya, Indonesia. Independent variables were self-esteem and spirituality (faith, meaning, peace), while the dependent variable was subjective well-being. Standardized instruments included the Satisfaction with Life Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Spiritual Well-Being Scale. Data was analyzed using Pearson correlation and linear regression. Results: Both self-esteem (r = 0.768, p < 0.001) and total spirituality (r = 0.800, p < 0.001) were positively correlated with subjective well-being. Regression analysis indicated that spirituality (β = 0.147, p = 0.003) and self-esteem (β = 0.286, p = 0.001) significantly predicted subjective well-being, accounting for 67.7% of the variance (R² = 0.677). However, the dimensions of faith and peace were not significant predictors when other factors were controlled. Conclusion: This study is one of the first in Indonesia, and even globally, to examine the influence of self-esteem and spirituality on subjective well-being in osteoarthritis patients. These findings underscore the importance of interventions that strengthen self-esteem and spirituality, particularly in the context of Indonesian Muslim culture, where religious beliefs and practices can serve as sources of meaning, acceptance, and peace for patients with chronic illnesses.