Sense of coherence in Spanish-speaking countries during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the sense of coherence (SOC) in the Spanish-speaking population during the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases in August 2024. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the critical appraisal tools developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Results: A total of 25 studies were included in the review, which demonstrated that high SOC is associated with improved coping styles, a reduced incidence of mental disorders, and greater resilience to traumatic events. The findings indicated that SOC acts as a crucial protective factor in diverse population groups, including health professionals, university students, and older adults, particularly during the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic. Conclusions: The study concludes that there are significant benefits for the mental and physical health of the population, regardless of cultural context, to be gained from strengthening the SOC. It is therefore essential that interventions which enhance the SOC are implemented in order to improve public health in times of crisis. Furthermore, it is crucial that SOC measurement instruments are validated in different cultural contexts in order to ensure the reliability and validity of the results obtained.