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Alvarenga WDA, da Cruz IEC, Leite ACAB, Machado JR, Dos Santos LBPA, Lima RAGD, Nascimento LC. "God gives me hope!": Hospitalized children's perception of the influence of religion in coping with chronic illness. J Pediatr Nurs 2024; 77:13-20. [PMID: 38471371 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2024.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The mechanism of the impact of religion on health is still unclear, especially in children and adolescents with chronic illness who live in religious contexts. This study aimed to understand the influence of religion on coping with chronic diseases from the perspective of hospitalized children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer, type 1 diabetes mellitus and cystic fibrosis. DESIGN AND METHODS Qualitative descriptive research used photo-elicitation interviews with 35 Brazilian children and adolescents with cancer, type 1 diabetes mellitus and cystic fibrosis, aged between 7 and 17 years old. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyze qualitative data. RESULTS Participants were diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (14.3%), cancer (57.1%), and type 1 diabetes mellitus (28.6%) and 82.9% had a religious affiliation. Three themes were constructed: finding strength and support in the relationship with the divine, religion as an important source of meaning, and religious practice as a promoter of well-being. These themes demonstrate that children and adolescents themselves perceived their illness as a journey through which their faith grew. CONCLUSIONS This research shows the influence of religion on the positive coping of chronic illness, being a source of strength and support from the relationship with the divine, as well as offering a source of meaning, purpose and well-being based on religious practices. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS This study supports clinical practice, based on the recognition of the patient as a religious and spiritualized person who has spiritual beliefs and needs that are capable of influencing treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ana Carolina Andrade Biaggi Leite
- University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Brazil; Public University of Navarre, Spain
| | - Júlia Rezende Machado
- University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Brazil.
| | | | - Regina Aparecida Garcia de Lima
- University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Brazil.
| | - Lucila Castanheira Nascimento
- University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Brazil.
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Ilgaz HB. Religious beliefs influence the body donation preferences: Some debated points. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2024; 17:448-449. [PMID: 37971142 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Baris Ilgaz
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Machado CAM, Marques ADCB, Silva LAAD, Silva LDS, Mantovani MDF, Felix JVC, Guimarães PRB, Kalinke LP. Coping Religioso/Espiritual e Qualidade de Vida dos Sobreviventes de Câncer Cinco Anos após o Transplante de Células-Tronco Hematopoiéticas. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE CANCEROLOGIA 2022. [DOI: 10.32635/2176-9745.rbc.2022v68n4.2812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introdução: O transplante de células-tronco hematopoiéticas é um tratamento complexo, com potencial de cura, no entanto, apresenta risco significativo de complicações graves e consequente comprometimento na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde. Diante desse cenário, é necessário que a equipe de saúde reconheça as demandas a que os pacientes estão expostos, e as estratégias de enfrentamento utilizadas, a fim de promover intervenções que objetivem a melhora da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde e a diminuição dos desconfortos decorrentes do diagnóstico e tratamento. Objetivo: Correlacionar o uso do coping religioso/espiritual com a qualidade de vida após cinco anos da realização do transplante de células-tronco hematopoiéticas. Método: Estudo analítico e longitudinal, com 55 pacientes em um hospital de referência para o procedimento na América Latina. Coleta de dados de 2013 até 2021, com os questionários Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Bone Marrow Transplantation e Religious/Spiritual Coping Scale. Correlações entre as variáveis pelo coeficiente de correlação de Spearman. Resultados: Trinta pacientes foram a óbito antes de completar cinco anos de tratamento. A qualidade de vida apresentou melhores índices no quinto ano (116,1/148). Houve maior uso do coping religioso/espiritual positivo (3,15/5,00). Observou-se correlação significativa negativa entre os escores de qualidade de vida (-0,624/p<0,00) e coping/religioso espiritual negativo. Conclusão: Reconhecer a multidimensionalidade do constructo qualidade de vida, incluindo o domínio espiritual, poderá auxiliar o paciente no enfrentamento da doença e do tratamento.
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Gonçalves JPDB, Lucchetti G, Latorre MDRD, Laranjeira R, Vallada H. Religiosity as a potential mediator for violence in childhood and adulthood: results from a Brazilian nationally representative survey. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e051225. [PMID: 35672063 PMCID: PMC9174776 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although previous studies have investigated the role of religiosity in violence outcomes, there is a lack of studies including this aspect as a mediator for violence in childhood and adulthood. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between religiosity and violence in childhood, as well as the possible mediating role of religiosity between suffering violence in childhood and suffering and/or perpetrating violence in adulthood. DESIGN Cross-sectional population-based study carried out from November 2011 to March 2012. SETTING Face-to-face surveys (at participants' homes) were performed in a Brazilian nationally representative sample. PARTICIPANTS A total of 3378 adults (aged 19 years and above) were included. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES MEASURES The association between suffering violence in childhood and religiosity, and the mediating role of religiosity between childhood and adulthood violence were analysed using logistic regression models. RESULTS Religiosity was associated with childhood violence, showing that those who suffered less violence in childhood were more religious in adulthood and considered religion more important in their lives. However, while there was a significant association between suffering violence during childhood and suffering and/or perpetrating violence in adulthood, religiosity did not mediate this relationship. CONCLUSIONS Although religious individuals self-reported less violence suffered in childhood, religiosity did not show evidence of being a potential mediator for childhood and adulthood violence (experienced and/or perpetrated). These results could help researchers explore this phenomenon, and aid health professionals and managers when proposing future interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giancarlo Lucchetti
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Ronaldo Laranjeira
- Psychiatry Department, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Homero Vallada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo (LIM-23/ProSER), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Monteiro de Barros MC, Leão FC, Vallada Filho H, Lucchetti G, Moreira-Almeida A, Prieto Peres MF. Prevalence of spiritual and religious experiences in the general population: A Brazilian nationwide study. Transcult Psychiatry 2022:13634615221088701. [PMID: 35382640 DOI: 10.1177/13634615221088701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Spiritual and religious experiences (SREs) are common subjective phenomena related to the awareness of transcendence, which transforms one's perception of life, death and suffering. Despite the high prevalence of SREs worldwide, not enough studies have been conducted beyond Europe and North America. To fill this gap, this study investigates the prevalence of SREs in Brazil and their association with socio-demographic variables. This online cross-sectional study includes participants from all regions of Brazil. Sixteen SREs were investigated, being categorized into 4 groups: mystical, mediumistic, psi-related and past life/near-death experiences. Prevalence was calculated as percentages and multinomial logistic regression models were used. A total of 1,053 Brazilians were included; 92% reported one SRE in their lifetime and 47.5% experienced at least one SRE frequently. Participants reported having had at least one mystical experience (35%), one psi-related experience (27.7%), and one mediumistic experience (11%). Half the sample had "felt the presence of a dead person" and 70% experienced precognitive dreams at least once. In a multivariate analysis, SREs were associated with the female gender but showed no associations with income, education, employment status and ethnicity. Mystical experiences were associated with age 55 and older. In summary, SREs are very prevalent across different strata of the population, and deserve more attention from researchers and clinicians in order to clarify their nature and implications for mental health care and research in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Monteiro de Barros
- Program of Spirituality, Religiosity and Health (ProSer), Institute of Psychiatry, 363307Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Frederico Camelo Leão
- Program of Spirituality, Religiosity and Health (ProSer), Institute of Psychiatry, 363307Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Homero Vallada Filho
- Program of Spirituality, Religiosity and Health (ProSer), Institute of Psychiatry, 363307Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giancarlo Lucchetti
- Research Center in Spirituality and Health (NUPES), School of Medicine, 469074Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Alexander Moreira-Almeida
- Research Center in Spirituality and Health (NUPES), School of Medicine, 469074Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Mario Fernando Prieto Peres
- Program of Spirituality, Religiosity and Health (ProSer), Institute of Psychiatry, 363307Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Leite ACAB, García-Vivar C, DeMontigny F, Nascimento LC. Waves of family hope: narratives of families in the context of pediatric chronic illness. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem 2021; 29:e3504. [PMID: 34816873 PMCID: PMC8616230 DOI: 10.1590/1518-8345.5515.3504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to analyze narratives about the experience of hope of families in the context of pediatric chronic illness. METHOD a narrative research using Family Systems Nursing as a conceptual framework. Three families of children and adolescents diagnosed with complex chronic illness participated in this study, totaling 10 participants. Data collection was developed using family photo-elicitation interviews. Family narratives were constructed and analyzed according to inductive thematic analysis with theoretical data triangulation. RESULTS the analytical theme - Waves of Family Hope in the Context of Pediatric Chronic Illness - is composed of four different types of hope: uncertain hope, caring hope, latent hope, and expectant hope. Movement through these hopes generates a driving energy and depends on a number of factors: support, information, searching for normality, and thoughts and comparisons. CONCLUSION the results highlight the interaction and reciprocities of the members of the family unit, and the dynamics of hope, and illustrate the different types of hope and the factors that influence them. This study highlights the experience of hope as a family resource rather than just an individual resource, and supports health professionals in the planning of family care considering hope as an essential and dynamic family resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Andrade Biaggi Leite
- Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto,
PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Ribeirão Preto, SP,
Brazil
- Scholarship holder at the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal
de Nível Superior (CAPES), Brazil
| | - Cristina García-Vivar
- Universidad Pública de Navarra, Departamento de Ciencias de la
Salud, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Francine DeMontigny
- Université du Québec en Outaouais, Department of Nursing, Gatineau,
Quebec, Canada
| | - Lucila Castanheira Nascimento
- Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto,
PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Ribeirão Preto, SP,
Brazil
- Scholarship holder at the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento
Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Brazil
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Alvarenga WDA, Machado JR, Leite ACAB, Caldeira S, Vieira M, da Rocha SS, Nascimento LC. Spiritual Needs of Brazilian Children and Adolescents with Chronic Illnesses: A Thematic Analysis. J Pediatr Nurs 2021; 60:e39-e45. [PMID: 33648836 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2021.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify the spiritual needs of children and adolescents with chronic illnesses and how these needs are met by health professionals during hospitalization. DESIGN AND METHODS A qualitative descriptive study was developed with 35 children and adolescents, between 7 and 18 years old, diagnosed with cancer, cystic fibrosis, and type 1 diabetes. Interviews with photo-elicitation were conducted during the hospitalization at a Brazilian public pediatric hospital. Findings were treated using thematic analysis, and the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) was followed for quality reporting. This research was approved by a research committee. RESULTS Two themes emerged. The first, entitled 'Spiritual needs', encompasses five types of needs: (1) need to integrate meaning and purpose in life; (2) need to sustain hope; (3) need for expression of faith and to follow religious practices; (4) need for comfort at the end of life; and (5) need to connect with family and friends. The second theme was the 'Definition of spiritual care'. CONCLUSIONS Children and adolescents with chronic illnesses have spiritual needs while in hospital. Meeting these needs is essential for finding meaning, purpose and hope in the experience of living with chronic illnesses and at the end of life, based on their faith, beliefs and interpersonal relationships. But, these needs have not been fully addressed during hospitalization. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS These results emphasize the need to implement spiritual care when caring for hospitalized pediatric patients, which includes addressing spiritual needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willyane de Andrade Alvarenga
- Post-doctoral researcher at Federal University of Piaui. Assistant Professor at Centro Universitário Santo Agostinho, PI, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Sílvia Caldeira
- Researcher at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Portugal.
| | - Margarida Vieira
- Researcher at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Portugal.
| | - Silvana Santiago da Rocha
- Federal University of Piaui, Campus Universitário Ministro Petrônio Portella - Bairro Ininga, PI, Brazil.
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Vitorino LM, Yoshinari Júnior GH, Gonzaga G, Dias IF, Pereira JPL, Ribeiro IMG, França AB, Al-Zaben F, Koenig HG, Trzesniak C. Factors associated with mental health and quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. BJPsych Open 2021; 7:e103. [PMID: 33988122 PMCID: PMC8129679 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2021.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although mental distress and quality of life (QoL) impairments because of the pandemic have increased worldwide, the way that each community has been affected has varied. AIMS This study evaluated the impact of social distancing imposed by coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) on Brazilians' mental health and QoL. METHOD In this cross-sectional community-based online survey, data from 1156 community-dwelling adults were gathered between 11 May and 3 June 2020. We examined independent correlates of depression, anxiety and QoL, including sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, optimism/pessimism and spiritual/religious coping. Dependent variables were assessed using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire for depressive symptoms, the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale for anxiety symptoms, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF for QoL. Correlates of depressive and anxiety disorder were estimated using logistic regression. RESULTS There were high levels of depressive symptoms (41.9%) and anxiety symptoms (29.0%) in participants. Negative spiritual/religious coping was positively correlated with depressive disorder (odds ratio (OR) = 2.14 95% CI 1.63-2.80; P < 0.001) and with anxiety disorder (OR = 2.46 95% CI 1.90-3.18; P < 0.001), and associated with worse social and environmental QoL (P < 0.001). Healthcare professionals were less likely to have depressive symptoms (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.55-0.93; P < 0.001). Participants with friend/family with COVID-19 scored lower on psychological and environmental QoL (P < 0.05). Participants with a longer duration of social isolation were less likely to experience anxiety disorder (OR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.99; P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS We found high levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms and low levels of QoL in Brazil, which has become a pandemic epicentre. Several characteristics were associated with negative mental health symptoms in this study. This information may contribute to local health policies in dealing with the mental health consequences of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Alex Bacadini França
- Federal University of São Carlos – UFSCar, Laboratory of Human Development and Cognition – LADHECO, Brazil
| | - Faten Al-Zaben
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Harold G. Koenig
- Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, USA; and Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
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Khanna D, de Wildt G, de Souza Duarte Filho LAM, Bajaj M, Lai JF, Gardiner E, de Araújo Fonseca AMF, Lindenmeyer A, Rosa PS. Improving treatment outcomes for leprosy in Pernambuco, Brazil: a qualitative study exploring the experiences and perceptions of retreatment patients and their carers. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:282. [PMID: 33740912 PMCID: PMC7980336 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-05980-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brazil has a high leprosy burden and poor treatment outcomes (TOs), manifesting in high relapse rates. Pernambuco, an impoverished Brazilian state suffering notable geographical health inequalities, has 'hyperendemic' leprosy. Although current literature identifies barriers and facilitators influencing leprosy treatment compliance, inadequate investigation exists on other factors influencing TOs, including carers' roles and psycho-dermatological impact. This qualitative study explores experiences and perceptions of leprosy patients and their carers in Pernambuco, Brazil; to identify location-specific factors influencing TOs, and consequently inform future management. METHODS 27, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 patients and 13 carers. Participants were recruited using maximum variation and snowball sampling from three clinics in Petrolina, Pernambuco. Transcripts and field notes from both participant groups were separately analysed using conventional thematic and deviant case analysis. The University of Birmingham Internal Research Ethics Committee and Instituto Lauro de Souza Lima provided ethical approval. RESULTS Two homologous sets of four, primary, interdependent themes influencing leprosy TOs emerged: 'personal factors'; 'external factors'; 'clinical factors'; and 'the healthcare professional (HCP)-patient-carer relationship'. Poor participant knowledge and lack of symptomatic relief caused patients to distrust treatment. However, because participants thought HCP-led interventions were vital for optimal TOs, patients were effectively persuaded to adhere to pharmaceutical treatments. High standard patient and population education facilitated treatment engagement by encouraging evidence-based medicine belief, and dispelling health myths and stigma. Healthcare, on occasions, was perceived as disorganised, particularly in resource-scarce rural areas, and for those with mental health needs. Participants additionally experienced incorrect/delayed diagnoses and poor contact tracing. Leprosy's negative socio-economic impact on employment - together with stigma, dependency and changing relationships - caused altered senses of identity, negatively impacting TOs. Better dialogue between patients, HCPs and carers facilitated individualised patient support. CONCLUSION This study highlights the importance of: effective evidence-based leprosy education; communication between HCPs, patients and carers; state-funded support; and healthcare resource distribution. These findings, if prioritised on governmental scales, provide the valuable insight needed to inform location-specific management strategies, and consequently improve TOs. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of these implementations. Failure to address these findings will hinder regional elimination efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Khanna
- Medical School, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Gilles de Wildt
- Institute of Clinical Sciences College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Mitali Bajaj
- Medical School, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jo Freda Lai
- Medical School, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Esme Gardiner
- Medical School, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Borges M, Lucchetti G, Leão FC, Vallada H, Peres MFP. Religious Affiliations Influence Health-Related and General Decision Making: A Brazilian Nationwide Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:2873. [PMID: 33799740 PMCID: PMC8001914 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18062873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 90% of the world's population is involved in some spiritual/religious practice, and this dimension has a relevant role in life. Many studies demonstrate the associations between spirituality/religiosity (S/R), and physical, mental, and social health. Systematic reviews have indicated positive associations; however, the mechanisms behind religious coping are not fully understood. The present study aimed to examine the role of religious affiliation in general (ordinary) and health-related decisions. A nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in Brazil using a self-administered online survey. How much religious affiliation influences decision making was investigated. A total of 1133 participants were included, who were classified as Catholics (43.9%), Evangelicals (18.7%), spiritualists (12.8%), non-religious (11.9%), and others (12.7%). Most participants (66.5%) believed that their religious affiliations had moderate to high influences on their decisions. Participants rated the influence as high in marriage (62.7%), in donations (60.1%), in volunteering (55%), in friendships (53.9%), and in work (50.5%). Concerning health-related decisions, the influence was rated as high in drug use (45.2%), in accepting medical recommendations (45%), and in smoking (43.2%). The influence of religious affiliation on general decision making was significantly correlated for dietary restrictions (r = 0.462), alcohol consumption (r = 0.458), drug use (r = 0.441), tobacco consumption (r = 0.456), and refusal of medical recommendations (r = 0.314). Improving the understanding of how a patient's beliefs, practices, and experiences affect their health may help healthcare practitioners to take into account religious considerations, not only regarding influences on habits but also regarding adherence to medical treatment advice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Borges
- PROSER, Programa de Espiritualidade e Religiosidade, Instituto de Psiquiatra, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-903, Brazil; (F.C.L.); (H.V.); (M.F.P.P.)
| | - Giancarlo Lucchetti
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora 36038-330, Brazil;
| | - Frederico C. Leão
- PROSER, Programa de Espiritualidade e Religiosidade, Instituto de Psiquiatra, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-903, Brazil; (F.C.L.); (H.V.); (M.F.P.P.)
| | - Homero Vallada
- PROSER, Programa de Espiritualidade e Religiosidade, Instituto de Psiquiatra, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-903, Brazil; (F.C.L.); (H.V.); (M.F.P.P.)
- Departamento & Instituto de Psiquiatria (LIM-23) HCFMUSP, Sao Paulo 05403-903, Brazil
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-903, Brazil
| | - Mario F. P. Peres
- PROSER, Programa de Espiritualidade e Religiosidade, Instituto de Psiquiatra, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-903, Brazil; (F.C.L.); (H.V.); (M.F.P.P.)
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-903, Brazil
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05403-903, Brazil
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Vasconcelos APSL, Lucchetti ALG, Cavalcanti APR, da Silva Conde SRS, Gonçalves LM, do Nascimento FR, Chazan ACS, Tavares RLC, da Silva Ezequiel O, Lucchetti G. Religiosity and Spirituality of Resident Physicians and Implications for Clinical Practice-the SBRAMER Multicenter Study. J Gen Intern Med 2020; 35:3613-3619. [PMID: 32815055 PMCID: PMC7728988 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-020-06145-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the attitudes, knowledge, and experiences of Brazilian resident physicians regarding religiosity/spirituality (R/S), factors associated with addressing this issue, and its influence on clinical practice. METHODS We report results of the multicenter "Spirituality in Brazilian Medical Residents" (SBRAMER) study involving 7 Brazilian university centers. The Network for Research Spirituality and Health (NERSH) scale (collecting sociodemographic data, opinions about the R/S-health interface, and respondents' R/S characteristics) and the Duke Religion Index were self-administered. Logistic regression models were constructed to determine those factors associated with residents' opinions on spirituality in clinical practice. RESULTS The sample comprised 879 resident physicians (53.5% of total) from all years of residency with 71.6% from clinical specialties. In general, the residents considered themselves spiritual and religious, despite not regularly attending religious services. Most participants believed R/S had an important influence on patient health (75.2%) and that it was appropriate to discuss these beliefs in clinical encounters with patients (77.1%), although this was not done in routine clinical practice (14.4%). The main barriers to discussing R/S were maintaining professional neutrality (31.4%), concern about offending patients (29.1%), and insufficient time (26.2%). Factors including female gender, clinical specialty (e.g., internal medicine, family medicine, psychiatry) as opposed to surgical specialty (e.g., surgery, obstetrics/gynecology, orthopedics), having had formal training on R/S, and higher levels of R/S were associated with greater discussion of and more positive opinions about R/S. CONCLUSION Brazilian resident physicians held that religious and spiritual beliefs can influence health, and deemed it appropriate for physicians to discuss this issue. However, lack of training was one of the main obstacles to addressing R/S issues in clinical practice. Educators should draw on these data to conduct interventions and produce content on the subject in residency programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Sena Lomba Vasconcelos
- School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Av. Eugênio do Nascimento s/no. Bairro: Dom Bosco, Juiz de Fora, 36038-330, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Lamas Granero Lucchetti
- School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Av. Eugênio do Nascimento s/no. Bairro: Dom Bosco, Juiz de Fora, 36038-330, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Oscarina da Silva Ezequiel
- School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Av. Eugênio do Nascimento s/no. Bairro: Dom Bosco, Juiz de Fora, 36038-330, Brazil
| | - Giancarlo Lucchetti
- School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Av. Eugênio do Nascimento s/no. Bairro: Dom Bosco, Juiz de Fora, 36038-330, Brazil.
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Gonçalves JPDB, Madruga CS, Lucchetti G, Dias Latorre MDR, Laranjeira R, Vallada H. The effect of religiosity on violence: Results from a Brazilian population-based representative survey of 4,607 individuals. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238020. [PMID: 32841262 PMCID: PMC7447020 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there is a wide array of evidence showing the beneficial effect of religiosity on violence among adolescents, nationwide studies in the general population are scarce. This study aims to explore whether religiosity is associated or not with diminishing violence in a Brazilian population-based representative sample. This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 2011–2012 using face-to-face interviews and included 4,608 individuals 14 years and older. The survey included measures of religiosity (religious affiliation and importance of religion), violence (involvement in fights, domestic violence and police detention), depression, social support and alcohol dependence. We used logistic regression models and mediation analyses. In the total sample analyses, after adjustments, having a religious affiliation was inversely associated with lower involvement in fights (OR = 0.60,CI95%:0.37–0.98) and less police detention (OR = 0.37,CI95%:0.20–0.70), whereas the importance of religion was only associated with less fights (OR = 0.60,CI95%:0.36–0.99). Subanalyses revealed different associations depending on the age group evaluated. Mediation tests showed that the association of religious affiliation on violence outcomes was mediated by alcohol use. In conclusion, religiosity seems to be an important factor associated with lower levels of violence in this nationwide representative survey and alcohol dependence seems to mediate this relationship. Health professionals should be aware of these findings in their clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giancarlo Lucchetti
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | | | - Ronaldo Laranjeira
- Psychiatry Department, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Homero Vallada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo (LIM-23/ProSER), Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Abstract
Few studies have investigated the "multiple religious affiliations" phenomenon. This study aims to understand those with "multiple religious affiliations," describing its prevalence and investigating if there are differences in mental health and quality of life between this group and those with a single religious affiliation and those with no religious affiliation. A total of 1169 adults were included, and 58% had a single religious affiliation, 27.7% had multiple religious affiliations, and 12.3% had no religious affiliation. Participants with a single religious affiliation presented better mental health and quality of life than those with multiple or no religious affiliations. Although most outcomes were similar between multiple and no religious affiliations, happiness and optimism were higher in the multiple religious group, and anxiety was lower in the no religious group. Health care professionals should be aware of the secondary religious affiliations of their patients to identify possible conflicts and to treat them comprehensively.
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Vitorino LM, Lucchetti G, Leão FC, Vallada H, Peres MFP. The association between spirituality and religiousness and mental health. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17233. [PMID: 30467362 PMCID: PMC6250706 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35380-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aims to investigate how different levels of spirituality and religiousness (high spirituality and high religiousness –S/R, high spirituality and low religiousness –S/r, low spirituality and high religiousness s/R and low spirituality and low religiousness – s/r) are associated with quality of life, depressive symptoms, anxiety, optimism and happiness among adults. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 1,046 Brazilian adults. Concerning the different levels of spirituality and religiousness, 49.2% had s/r, 26.5% S/R, 17.2% S/r and 7.1% s/R. Participants with S/R had better outcomes as compared to those with s/r and those with S/r in WHOQOL Psychological, Social Relationship and Environment, Optimism and happiness. Participants with s/R had better outcomes as compared to those with s/r in WHOQOL Psychological and Social Relationship, Optimism and happiness. Participants with S/r were different from those with s/r, with higher levels of WHOQOL Environment and happiness but also anxiety. The results revealed that, having higher levels of both spirituality and religiousness were more correlated to better outcomes than having just one of them or none of them. Likewise, having higher levels of religiousness in detriment of higher levels of spirituality was also associated with better outcomes in comparison to others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Magalhães Vitorino
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil.,Faculty of Medicine of Itajubá, Itajubá, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Giancarlo Lucchetti
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | | | - Homero Vallada
- School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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