Religious Denomination, Religiosity, Religious Attendance, and Cancer Prevention. A Systematic Review

The Association Between Religiosity, Spirituality and Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Longitudinal Analysis of Alberta's Tomorrow Project in Canada

We explored longitudinal associations between religion/spirituality (R/S) Salience and R/S Attendance, and colorectal cancer screening, among adults aged ≥ 50 years in Alberta, Canada. R/S Salience was not statistically significantly associated with colorectal cancer screening (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.88-1.28). Conversely, R/S Attendance was statistically significantly associated with higher odds of colorectal cancer screening: the aOR was 1.28 (95% CI 1.02-1.59) for participants attending services at least once a month and 1.31 (95% CI 1.01-1.69) for participants attending between one and four times yearly, compared to participants who never attended. Researchers should explore the possibility of delivering colorectal cancer screening programs in R/S settings.

The link between spirituality and longevity

We are facing an inverted demographic pyramid with continuously growing aged populations around the world. However, the advances that prolong physical life not always contemplate its psychological and social dimensions. Longevity is a complex outcome influenced by a wide range of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, access to healthcare, socio-economic conditions, and other environmental factors. These factors have been generally considered in the compelling research that seeks the determinants of longevity, particularly those concerning personal lifestyle choices, socioeconomic conditions, and molecular mechanisms proposed to mediate these effects. Nonetheless, fundamental aspects that can affect health and well-being, such as spirituality and religiosity, have been somehow left aside despite numerous epidemiological studies showing that higher levels of spirituality/religiosity are associated with lower risk of mortality, even after adjusting for relevant confounders. Because spirituality/religiosity are dimensions of great value for patients, overlooking them can leave them with feelings of neglect and lack of connection with the health system and with the clinicians in charge of their care. Integrating spirituality and religiosity assessment and intervention programs into clinical care can help each person obtain better and complete well-being and also allowing clinicians to achieve the highest standards of health with holistic, person-centered care. The present narrative review aims to explore the available evidence of a relationship between spirituality/religiosity and longevity and discusses the possible mechanisms that can help explain such relationship.

Assessing the Feasibility of a Faith-Based Colorectal Cancer Education and Screening Intervention for Latino Men in Pennsylvania

Introduction: Limited health knowledge, literacy, engagement in preventive health services, participation in health promotion behaviors, and cultural factors place Latino men at high risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). This pilot study aimed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a faith-based cancer education intervention focusing on Latino men between 45 and 74 years old. Methods: This pilot study used a single group pre- and post-intervention research design to compare changes in knowledge, perceived benefit of screening, perceived susceptibility and severity of CRC, and the completion of CRC screening after the intervention. Results: In this study, Latino men were willing to participate in a CRC educational intervention supported by a faith-based institution. The participants had limited knowledge about CRC, yet most recognized that screening is beneficial and that getting CRC is serious. Sixty percent of the participants completed the fecal immunochemical screening test, which showed that the intervention impacted the screening uptake among this group. Conclusion: The findings of this study support the further development of faith-based interventions focusing on Latino men.

Impact of socioeconomic position on the utilization of rehabilitation services among the Chinese older adults disabled by injury

Aim

This study aimed to explore the utilization of rehabilitation services and associated socioeconomic position (SEP) factors among Chinese older adults disabled by injury.

Methods

Data from the second China National Sample Survey on Disability (CSSD) were used in this study. Chi-square test was used to analyze the significant differences between groups, and binary logistic regression model was used to calculate the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for socioeconomic factors associated with utilization of rehabilitation services among Chinese older adults disabled by injury.

Results

Among the older adults disabled by injury in the CSSD, the gap between demand and utilization of medical treatment, assistive devices and rehabilitation training were around 38, 75, and 64%, respectively. This study revealed two relationship patterns ("high-low-high" and "low-high-low") among SEP, prevalence of injury-caused disability and odds of utilization of rehabilitation services among the Chinese older adults disabled by injury, that is, the older adult with higher SEP have a lower prevalence of injury-caused disability, but a higher odds of utilization of rehabilitation services; conversely, the older adults with lower SEP have a relatively higher prevalence but a lower odds of utilization of rehabilitation services.

Conclusion

There is a large gap between the high demand and low utilization of rehabilitation services among the Chinese older adults disabled by injury, especially for those living in the central or western regions or rural areas, without insurance or disability certificate, having the annual household per capita income lower than the national average or lower educational level. Strategies to improve the disability manage system, to strengthen the chain of "information discovery-information transmission-rehabilitation services supply-continuous health monitoring and management" for the older adults disabled by injury are warranted. In view of the poor and illiterate groups among the disabled older adults, to enhance medical aids and popularize the scientific information to compensate for the lack of affordability and awareness of rehabilitation services utilization is essential. In addition, it is necessary to further expand the coverage and improve the payment system of medical insurance for rehabilitation services.