Association between spirituality/religiousness and quality of life among healthy adults: a systematic review

Religion, Psychedelics, Risky Behavior, and Violence

Research has found that psychedelic use is associated with positive behavioral changes, however research has yet to explore the relationship between socio-cultural conditions on this relationship. This paper intends to fill this gap by testing the effects of religious participation and beliefs on the relationship between psychedelic use and behaviors. This study examines the relationship between Lifetime Classic Psychedelic Use (LCPU), different aspects of religion (such as salience and attendance), and the likelihood of committing a violent assault. The analysis uses pooled data from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2015 to 2019, with a sample size of 282,768. Binary logistic regression models conducted in Stata 17 reveal that LCPU and religion (salience and influence) are independently associated with reduced violence. Additionally, two-way interactions indicate that the association between risky behavior and violence is smaller among individuals with high levels of religious salience. Furthermore, a three-way interaction suggests that the association between risky behavior and violence is smaller for those who have used psychedelics, with the largest effect observed among individuals with high religious salience. These results show that religious factors can influence the relationship between psychedelic use and behaviors, with both attendance and salience operating simultaneously.

Mediation effect of hope on the relationship between inner strength and self-management in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

Effective self-management can enhance a patient's quality of life and delay disease progression. However, motivating patients to adhere to self-management behavior following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains a challenge. With the robust development of positive psychology and interdisciplinary research, the role of psychology factors in patients' health behavior has increasingly garnered attention. This study, focusing on positive psychological qualities, aims to investigate the relationship between inner strength, hope, and self-management in patients post-PCI, and to analyze the mediating role of hope between inner strength and self-management.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 216 PCI patients from a tertiary hospital in Nanjing. Research instruments included a self-designed general information questionnaire, the Inner Strength Scale (ISS), the Herth Hope Index (HHI), and the Coronary Self-Management Scale (CSMS). T-test, analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation analysis, and mediating effect test were utilized for statistical analysis.

Results

The average scores of the ISS, HHI, and CSMS were 81.46 ± 12.00, 35.94 ± 5.38, and 86.79 ± 14.84, respectively. Inner strength was positively correlated with hope and self-management (r = 0.867, r = 0.630, respectively; all P < 0.05), and hope was positively correlated with self-management (r = 0.671, P < 0.05). Moreover, hope had a complete mediating effect between inner strength and self-management (β = 0.630, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The inner strength, hope, and self-management of patients with PCI are at a moderate level. Inner strength primarily influences patients' self-management behavior through hope, suggesting that medical staff can target hope to help patients build confidence in life after illness, form and accumulate inner strength, thereby promoting their self-management and improving prognosis.

Changing trends in health orientation among older adults: A scoping review

Older people's health condition is not uniform, and the components of their health are interrelated. Concepts regarding the health of older people have emerged and changed over time. However, the transition of concepts and influencing factors are not well examined through research. We have conducted a scoping review of the changes over time in the concept of health for older people and the factors influencing these changes. The public websites of international organizations and academic societies related to older people's health and research paper database were searched, and the extracted data were summarized in a chronological table. Consequently, this study revealed changing trends in health orientation after health had been defined by WHO, namely, successful aging, productive aging, active aging, and healthy aging, and their components, not the concept of health. The emergence and changes of health orientation among older people may have accompanied proposals and measures of international organizations and academic societies developed in response to changes in the demographic structure, and changes in how society perceives and supports older people. With the changing eras that bring about advances in health technology, prolongation of life expectancy, and changes in lifestyles, the needs of older people, society's perceptions of aging and older people, and how to support them will also change. Our findings may provide a valuable basis for understanding aging and older people, reconsidering their health orientation based on the health issues of older people and their significance, and formulating policies for older people in the future. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 5-17.

Quality of Life and Wellbeing Parameters of Academic Dental and Nursing Personnel vs. Quality of Services

Quality of life (QOL) is based on one's perception of one's position in life with respect to one's goals, expectations, standards, and concerns. It is also influenced by one's culture and value system, workflow, and workplace situation; in turn, QOL influences the quality of service one is able to provide. In this study, we aim to report on dental and nursing academics' QOL and wellbeing at the end of the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are several studies on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health professionals (nurses and dentists), but it is important to investigate their quality of life three years later; furthermore, knowledge about academic staff is very limited. The World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF Scale (WHOQOL-BREF) tool, recording the physical, psychological, social, and environmental dimensions of QOL, was used. The WHOQOL-BREF was modified using a spiritual coaching/mentoring approach in a two-step design and validation procedure. The modified SHQOL-BREF (Spiritual Healthcare version) designed for this study was uploaded and filled in online during April-June 2023. The staff (N = 120, 75% female) of the Departments of Dentistry (44.2%) and Nursing (55.8%) of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens participated anonymously. QOL in terms of physical health was reported at a higher level (M = 72.2 points) compared to social relationships (M = 69 points), psychological health (M = 65 points), and environment (M = 59 points) (scores reported on a 0-100 scale). Overall, QOL was rated at 66 points, while satisfaction with one's health was at 72 points. Job satisfaction (M1 = 3.2) and spirituality (M2 = 3.0) were reported at a medium level on a five-point scale, while personal beliefs and values were reported at a high level (M3 = 4.0). The four areas of QOL are associated with job satisfaction, personal beliefs, and spirituality. Participant age presented a significant moderate-strong effect on physical health (F (3.97) = 2.89, p < 0.05, η2p = 0.08) and on the environment (F (3.97) = 2.80, p < 0.05, η2p = 0.08), and marital status had a significant effect on social relationships (F (1.97) = 9.66, p < 0.05, η2p = 0.09). Married participants reported consistently higher levels of QOL compared to single participants, for all age groups. The department had a significant moderate effect on social relationships (F (1.97) = 5.10, p < 0.05, η2p = 0.05), and education had a significant moderate-strong effect on psychological health (F (2.97) = 3.74, p < 0.05, η2p = 0.07). PhD-level participants in both departments presented higher levels of psychological health compared to those with lower educational levels. Also, participants from the Department of Dentistry reported higher levels of social relationship QOL in all educational groups compared to the Department of Nursing. Overall, according to our findings, PhD participants generally had better psychological health. Those under 40 years of age had higher levels of physical health and environmental quality of life, while married participants and those from the Department of Dentistry had higher levels of social interactions than those from the Department of Nursing. Strategic planning on sustainability and QOL initiatives should be introduced after the COVID-19 pandemic for dental and nursing academic personnel to promote resilience and QOL scores. Enhancing the QOL of academic staff is essential for developing health promotion activities at universities and can help boost performance among staff and students.

Religious affiliation and oral health-related quality of life: a cross-sectional study based on a nationally representative survey in Germany

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown an association between a person's religiosity, and physical as well as psychological, health status. However, results differ between certain religious affiliations. While good oral health is important for our overall health and wellbeing, research on religious affiliation and oral health status, specifically oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), is lacking. Thus, our aim was to investigate the association between religious affiliation and OHRQoL.

METHODS

A nationally representative online survey (n = 3,075 individuals) was conducted in August/September 2021. The mean age was 44.5 years (SD: 14.8 years, 18 to 70 years) and 51.1% of the individuals were female. OHRQoL was measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-G5). Religious affiliation served as key explanatory variable. Several covariates were included in regression analyses.

RESULTS

Regressions revealed that compared to individuals with no religious affiliation, individuals belonging to Christianity had poorer OHRQoL (β = 0.31, p < 0.01), individuals belonging to Islam had poorer OHRQoL (β = 2.62, p < 0.01) and individuals belonging to another religious affiliation also had poorer OHRQoL (β = 1.89, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated an association between religious affiliation and OHRQoL. Individuals with specific religious affiliations should be addressed to avoid low OHRQoL.

The roles of chaplains in dispelling cancer myths in Nigeria: A narrative review

Background and Aims

The epidemiological burden of cancer in Africa, and Nigeria in particular, has been increasing significantly over the past few decades due to exposure to numerous risk factors as well as belief in various myths and misconceptions. Chaplains can play crucial roles in dispelling these myths and misconceptions about cancer among people. Therefore, this study seeks to review the epidemiological burden, risk factors, and myths relating to cancer and the roles of chaplains in dispelling cancer myths in Nigeria.

Methods

This paper is a narrative review that relied on secondary sources obtained through a thorough literature search of relevant articles on multiple electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Published books, journal articles, and other published materials that were written in English were consulted in line with the objectives of this study. Both theoretical and empirical papers were used for this review.

Results

Cancers are associated with risk factors including exposure to chemicals, ultraviolet radiation, harmful tobacco and alcohol use, exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV), and these factors may vary with age, cultural beliefs (myths and misconceptions), and socioeconomic factors among others. Chaplains, however, have crucial roles to play in dispelling cancer myths in Nigeria. These roles include counseling, advocacy, education, and psycho-social support which may be limited by challenges such as spiritual ambiguity, inadequate training of healthcare providers and limited time/resources. These challenges can be addressed by training healthcare providers and incorporating chaplain practice in Nigerian healthcare.

Conclusion

The role of chaplains in dispelling cancer myths in Nigeria is crucial despite the numerous challenges. Hence, an urgent address of these challenges will be instrumental in ensuring effective chaplain practice in Nigeria.

Prevalence of depressive symptoms and its association with social support among older adults: The Brazilian National Health Survey

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to assess the association between depressive symptoms and social support measures among non-institutionalized Brazilian older adults.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out with data from the last National Health Survey, conducted in 2019. A descriptive analysis of the study variables was performed, followed by a multiple regression analysis to teste the association between the dependent variable (depressive symptoms, assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and independent variables (household arrangement, marital relationship, leisure activities, voluntary activity, religious activity, activities in associations/leaderships, work and receiving social support (friends and family).

RESULTS

The sample comprised 22,723 older adults and 13.1 % had depressive symptoms. There was a positive relationship between the number of people in the household and the prevalence of depressive symptoms. Individuals with support from family members only (PR 0.69; 95 % CI 0.51; 0.92) and those with support from family and friends (PR 0.53 95 % CI 0.40; 0.70) had a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms than those without support. Participation in leisure and religious activities was inversely associated with depressive symptoms. A negative association was found between work and the presence of depressive symptoms (PR 0.83; 95 % CI 0.70; 0.99).

LIMITATIONS

The cross-sectional design limits causal inferences and the survey did not include institutionalized individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

The lower prevalence of the outcome among older adults with social support highlights the importance of evaluating these measures and practicing activities that allow personal and social interactions among this age group.

Factors Affecting Health-Related Quality of Life among Healthcare Workers during COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Objectives: Healthcare workers are threatened by psychological well-being and mental health problems in disasters related to new infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, and this can also have a negative impact on health-related quality of life. Health-related quality of life of healthcare workers should not be neglected because it is closely related to patient safety. This study aimed to identify the relationship between mental health problems, psychological safety, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life of healthcare workers and factors that influence health-related quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from 301 healthcare workers working in five general hospitals with more than 300 beds in two provinces from 5 July 2021 to 16 July 2021. Data were analyzed using SPSS WIN 27.0. The data were analyzed using t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and stepwise multiple regression. Results: Our results showed that there was a significant difference in regular exercise, religion, economic status, and sleep quality. The DASS-21 stress, economic status, and alcohol consumption were factors affecting the total health-related quality of life. In the subcategories, the physical component score was influenced by DASS-21 stress and economic status, while the mental component score was influenced by DASS-21 depression, economic status, alcohol consumption, and sleep quality. Conclusions: Health care workers need continuous and active monitoring of their health level and quality of life, as they are at a risk of increasing work burden and infection due to prolonged exposure to COVID-19 as well as mental health issues such as stress and depression. Additionally, at the individual level, active participation in various programs that can raise awareness of health-related quality of life along with physical health promotion activities should be encouraged. At the organizational level, it is necessary to prepare a compensation system, such as adjusting the workload of healthcare workers and ensuring break time; at the government level, disaster-related policies are needed to ensure a safe working environment for health care workers.

The role of spirituality and religiosity on the cognitive decline of community-dwelling older adults: a 4-year longitudinal study

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to assess whether having religious beliefs, attending religious services and using spiritual-religious coping (SRC) are longitudinally associated with cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

A 4-year longitudinal study of 261 Brazilian older adults was conducted. Hierarchical adjusted linear regression models and logistic regression models were performed to evaluate the longitudinal effects of religious beliefs, church attendance and positive and negative SRC on cognitive decline.

RESULTS

The findings revealed that spiritual and religious beliefs at baseline could affect cognitive function in two different ways. When older adults use religiosity and spirituality (RS) in a functional positive manner, it results in better cognitive outcomes and a slower rate of decline. However, when used in a negative manner, it results in worse cognitive outcomes.

CONCLUSION

These results could help health care professionals address SRC among older adults, particularly those at a higher risk of cognitive decline. Considering that RS is very important for older adults, health care professionals should be aware of the beliefs of their patients and address RS in clinical practice.

Structure of spirituality among high-school students differs depending on relationship with someone or something Greater (RSG)

Purpose: To investigate the structure of spirituality among teenagers, who live in a secular country, employing a QoL assessment, the EORTC QLQ-SWB32. Methods: Japanese high-school students, 15 to 17 years of age, answered EORTC QLQ-SWB32, which had 5 scales: Relationships with Others, Relationship with Self (RS), Existential, Relationship with Someone or Something Greater (RSG), and Change. It had “skip” items 22 and 23 (score range:0–200), which distinguished non-believers (score:0), light believers (score:33–66), and deep believers (score:100–200). Cronbach’s alpha and principal component analysis (PCA) were investigated. Correlations between item-32 (global spiritual well-being (SWB)) scores and 5 scale-scores were estimated. Global SWB scores were compared among groups via one-way ANOVA. Results: Among 283 male students, there were 142 non-believers (50%), 98 light believers (35%), and 43 deep believers (15%). Cronbach’s alpha values of the five scales were above 0.7 for deep believers. However, RSG did not show internal consistency for non-believers and light believers. PCA showed that the RSG items constructed a RSG scale for deep believers but did not make any scale for non-believers and light believers. The correlation coefficients between global SWB and RSG increased in order of non-believers (r = 0.295), light believers (r = 0.399), and deep believers (r = 0.559). RS correlated with global SWB in non-believers and light believers (r<- 0.4). Among groups, light believers had significantly better global SWB than non-believers and deep believers (p = 0.0312). Conclusion: The structure of spirituality among high-school students differs depending on RSG. And RS might be critical for students without sense of RSG. (250words)