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Nche GC, Agbo UM, Okwueze MI. Church leader's Interpretation of COVID-19 in Nigeria: Science, Conspiracies, and Spiritualization. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2024; 63:741-764. [PMID: 37964055 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01947-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The need for governments across the globe to collaborate with religious leaders in the fight against COVID-19 has been emphasized by international organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO). However, there has not been much discernible scholarly effort to know what religious leaders think of COVID-19. The present study, therefore, explored the interpretations church leaders have about COVID-19 in Nigeria. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eighteen leaders from Catholic, Anglican and Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. Using a thematic analytical approach, the study found that only few church leaders interpreted COVID-19 as a medical problem in line with science (33%). The rest interpreted the virus as a tool of conspiracies/political manoeuvrings (27%) and as a spiritual event (39%). The study discussed the implications of the findings for policy and research as well as how to address some of the harmful interpretations.
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Affiliation(s)
- George C Nche
- Department of Religion Studies, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Uchechukwu M Agbo
- Department of Religion and Cultural Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
| | - Malachy I Okwueze
- Department of Religion and Cultural Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
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Sharma P, Tranby B, Kamath C, Brockman T, Roche A, Hammond C, Brewer LC, Sinicrope P, Lenhart N, Quade B, Abuan N, Halom M, Staples J, Patten C. A Christian Faith-Based Facebook Intervention for Smoking Cessation in Rural Communities (FAITH-CORE): Protocol for a Community Participatory Development Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e52398. [PMID: 38090799 PMCID: PMC10753420 DOI: 10.2196/52398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tobacco smoking remains the leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in the United States, with significant rural-urban disparities. Adults who live in rural areas of the United States have among the highest tobacco smoking rates in the nation and experience a higher prevalence of smoking-related deaths and deaths due to chronic diseases for which smoking is a causal risk factor. Barriers to accessing tobacco use cessation treatments are a major contributing factor to these disparities. Adults living in rural areas experience difficulty accessing tobacco cessation services due to geographical challenges, lack of insurance coverage, and lack of health care providers who treat tobacco use disorders. The use of digital technology could be a practical answer to these barriers. OBJECTIVE This report describes a protocol for a study whose main objectives are to develop and beta test an innovative intervention that uses a private, moderated Facebook group platform to deliver peer support and faith-based cessation messaging to enhance the reach and uptake of existing evidence-based smoking cessation treatment (EBCT) resources (eg, state quitline coaching programs) for rural adults who smoke. METHODS We will use the Integrated Theory of Health Behavior Change, surface or deep structure frameworks to guide intervention development, and the community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to identify and engage with community stakeholders. The initial content library of moderator postings (videos and text or image postings) will be developed using existing EBCT material from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Tips from Former Smokers Campaign. The content library will feature topics related to quitting smoking, such as coping with cravings and withdrawal and using EBCTs with faith-based message integration (eg, Bible quotes). A community advisory board and a community engagement studio will provide feedback to refine the content library. We will also conduct a beta test of the intervention with 15 rural adults who smoke to assess the recruitment feasibility and preliminary intervention uptake such as engagement, ease of use, usefulness, and satisfaction to further refine the intervention based on participant feedback. RESULTS The result of this study will create an intervention prototype that will be used for a future randomized controlled trial. CONCLUSIONS Our CBPR project will create a prototype of a Facebook-delivered faith-based messaging and peer support intervention that may assist rural adults who smoke to use EBCT. This study is crucial in establishing a self-sufficient smoking cessation program for the rural community. The project is unique in using a moderated social media platform providing peer support and culturally relevant faith-based content to encourage adult people who smoke to seek treatment and quit smoking. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/52398.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pravesh Sharma
- Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic Health System, Mayo Clinic, Eau Claire, WI, United States
| | - Brianna Tranby
- Behavioral Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Celia Kamath
- Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Tabetha Brockman
- Health Equity and Community Engagement in Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Anne Roche
- Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | | | - Pamela Sinicrope
- Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Ned Lenhart
- Living Water Church, Cameron, WI, United States
| | - Brian Quade
- Bethesda Lutheran Church, Eau Claire, WI, United States
| | - Nate Abuan
- Valleybrook Church, Eau Claire, WI, United States
| | - Martin Halom
- St John's Lutheran Church, Bloomer, WI, United States
| | | | - Christi Patten
- Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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Al Bayari J, Taha S, Suliman A, Osaili TM. The role of food handlers’ religious and organizational commitment in food hygiene practices: A structural modeling approach. Food Control 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2023.109732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
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Alen J, Forehand J, Miller B. Piloting a Faith-Based Hypertension Self-Care Program in a Church Setting. J Christ Nurs 2022; 39:E74-E79. [PMID: 36048608 DOI: 10.1097/cnj.0000000000001008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Health promotion strategies offered in a faith-based setting can be effective in influencing positive self-care behaviors related to hypertension. Faith-based organizations are ideal places to reach vulnerable populations to improve blood pressure management and make a lasting impact. The purpose of this pilot study was to provide a 4-week management program to improve hypertension self-care among a congregation of African Americans. Results revealed improvements among participants related to self-care as well as lowered blood pressure readings.
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Onyishi CN, Eseadi C, Ilechukwu LC, Okoro KN, Okolie CN, Egbule E, Asogwa E. Potential influences of religiosity and religious coping strategies on people with diabetes. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:8816-8826. [PMID: 36157650 PMCID: PMC9477035 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i25.8816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is a significant health issue that threatens patients’ overall wellbeing and quality of life. Critical public health concerns center on creating the best approach for diabetes management. Patients and caregivers have different approaches to diabetes management; however, this and the associated physiological, physical and mental health issues remain challenging. This review explores the potential influences of religiosity and religious coping strategies on people with diabetes. This study used a literature review approach to investigate how religiosity and religious coping strategies can influence the effective management of diabetes among patients. Based on the literature search, the researchers were able to identify and cite published papers that were analyzed using the descriptive-narrative analysis. An important goal of the descriptive-narrative analysis was to provide descriptions of the selected literature and take implications from the literature. The results of studies reviewed show some religious coping strategies for managing chronic diseases such as diabetes. The studies did establish a relationship between religiosity and diabetes management and suggest that religious coping strategies could positively impact the management of diabetes; however, they reported some adverse effects. Hence, we propose a pathway for the development of religion-oriented interventions and support framework for the management of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charity Neejide Onyishi
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Chiedu Eseadi
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, Gauteng, South Africa
| | | | - Kingsley Nwannennaya Okoro
- Department of Philosophy/Religion and Cultural Studies, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo 1010, Ebonyi, Nigeria
| | - Charles Nkem Okolie
- Department of Philosophy/Religion and Cultural Studies, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo 1010, Ebonyi, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel Egbule
- Department of Philosophy/Religion and Cultural Studies, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo 1010, Ebonyi, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel Asogwa
- Department of Philosophy/Religion and Cultural Studies, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo 1010, Ebonyi, Nigeria
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Naemiratch B, Schneiders ML, Poomchaichote T, Ruangkajorn S, Osterrieder A, Pan-ngum W, Cheah PY. "Like a wake-up call for humankind": Views, challenges, and coping strategies related to public health measures during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Thailand. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000723. [PMID: 36962432 PMCID: PMC10021331 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Following the first Thai COVID-19 case in January 2020, the Thai government introduced several non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) in March 2020 (e.g., contact tracing, travel restrictions, closure of businesses, curfews, stay at home orders) to control COVID-19 transmissions. This study aimed to understand the views and experiences of a small number of Thai residents related to public health measures implemented during the first COVID-19 wave in Thailand. A total of 28 remote in-depth interviews with Thai residents (18-74 years old) were conducted between 8 May and 21 July 2020. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis based on the Framework Method. Our results describe participants' views, challenges, and coping strategies relating to COVID-19 restrictions. Most participants expressed support for the introduction of strict public health measures, while some criticized lacking enforcement or rational of certain measures. Participants identified four major challenges, namely financial hardship; social isolation and loneliness; stigma and shaming; and fear of COVID-19 infection. Strategies adopted to address these challenges included practical coping strategies (e.g., reducing risks and fear of COVID-19 infection; mitigating financial, social, and mental health impacts), and embedded socio-cultural ways of coping (e.g., turning to religion; practicing acceptance; kindness, generosity and sharing ('Namjai'); 'making merit' ('Tham-bun')). The challenges identified from this study, in particular the role of stigma and discrimination, may be relevant to other infectious disease outbreaks beyond COVID-19. Findings from this study underscore the need for policies and interventions that mitigate the negative impacts of NPIs on the public, particularly on vulnerable groups, and highlight the importance of considering socio-cultural context to support community resilience in times of crisis. Our findings remain relevant in light of low COVID-19 vaccine availability and the potential need to implement further public health restrictions in Thailand and elsewhere against COVID-19 or future infectious disease threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhensri Naemiratch
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mira Leonie Schneiders
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, Ethox Centre, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tassawan Poomchaichote
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- The SoNAR-Global Network, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Supanat Ruangkajorn
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Anne Osterrieder
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Wirichada Pan-ngum
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Phaik Yeong Cheah
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, Ethox Centre, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- The SoNAR-Global Network, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Akbarbegloo M, Sanaeefar M, Majid P, Mohammadzadeh M. Psychosocial care experiences of patients with COVID-19 at home in Iran: A qualitative study. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:264-274. [PMID: 34180102 PMCID: PMC8444798 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Due to the onset peak of COVID-19, as well as a shortage of human resources, physical environment, protective and medical equipment in hospitals, many patients with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 are pushed to home care. This condition not only raises public health concerns but also causes a number of psychosocial problems. Therefore, this study intends to examine the psychosocial experiences of patients with COVID-19 after passing the crisis stage. A qualitative study with a conventional content analysis method was used. Thirty participants were selected using purposeful sampling from Khoy Educational and Medical Centers from 20 March to 20 June 2020. In-depth semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Data were analysed by continuous comparative analysis using MAXQDA 10 software. The concepts extracted from data analysis identified eight subthemes and three main themes. Social rejection theme includes three subthemes: 'Insularity of the patient', 'Concealment' and 'patient as the life-threatening center'. Lack of support theme consists of three subthemes including: 'financial concerns', 'non-response of the treatment team after discharge' and 'concerns about the persistent condition of the disease'. Efforts to gain mental peace theme has two subthemes: 'recourse to spirituality' and 'strengthening hope'. According to the results of the present study, it is necessary to examine the psychological and social needs of patients. Also, by identifying high-risk groups, supportive psychological networks such as telephone, internet and on-site medical services to help patients, medical worker and others affected in overcoming psychological problems should be increased. Providing free service packages such as the Internet, free financial aid to damaged jobs and creating the necessary platforms for online shopping and payment services, as well as training on how to plan and practice rehabilitation at home for patients and family caregivers can be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masumeh Akbarbegloo
- Pediatric Nursing DepartmentFaculty of NursingKhoy University of Medical SciencesKhoyIran
| | - Mahnaz Sanaeefar
- Pediatric Nursing DepartmentFaculty of NursingKhoy University of Medical SciencesKhoyIran
| | - Purabdollah Majid
- Nursing and Midwifery CollegeTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
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Berdida DJE, Grande RAN, Lopez V. Filipinos' health information-seeking behaviors and their implications for COVID-19 vaccination. Public Health Nurs 2021; 39:553-561. [PMID: 34902170 DOI: 10.1111/phn.13034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examined Filipinos' health information-seeking behaviors, specifically their information engagement and apprehension of getting the COVID-19 vaccine, the reasons for vaccination, and how these factors influenced their decision to get vaccinated. DESIGN Quantitative, cross-sectional, and predictive approaches. SAMPLE This study conducted a national online survey using convenience sampling (n = 2709). MEASUREMENT The Health Information Orientation Scale (HIOS) and Statista.com's "reasons for not getting a COVID-19 vaccination" were used to collect data. Demographic characteristics that predict information engagement and apprehension were identified using multivariate linear regression analysis. RESULTS Responses to information engagement and apprehension revealed "often true" and "sometimes true," respectively. The majority of participants intended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. "Concerned about the vaccine's safety" is the most common reason for not getting vaccinated. Female gender, college graduate, employed, and using social media to obtain COVID-19 vaccine information were all significant predictors of information engagement and apprehension. Information engagement and apprehension were predicted by age and religion, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Policymakers should consider how people seek information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and why some people refuse to get vaccinated. Additionally, public health nurses should educate the public about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rizal Angelo N Grande
- Mental Health Nursing Department, College of Nursing, University of Ha'il, Ha'il City, Saudi Arabia
| | - Violeta Lopez
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.,School of Nursing, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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