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1.
Front Public Health ; 12: 1385379, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38832235

Introduction: This study explores the emotional impact of religion-related films through a "cinematherapy" lens. It aims to analyze the emotional patterns in a curated selection of religion-related films compared to a broader sample of acclaimed movies using facial recognition with YOLOv5 object detection. The study aims to uncover the potential therapeutic application of religion-related films. Methods: Facial recognition with YOLOv5 object detection was utilized in this study to analyze the emotional patterns in religion-related films. A curated selection of these films was compared to a broader sample of acclaimed movies to identify any distinct emotional trajectories. Results: The analysis of the emotional patterns revealed that religion-related films exhibited a subtler range of emotions compared to the broader film spectrum. This finding suggests that these films potentially create a safe space for contemplation, aligning with the profound themes often explored in religion-related films. Interestingly, the emotional arc observed in the films mirrored the spiritual journeys depicted in them. The films started with a low point of separation, transitioned through challenges, and culminated in a peak representing spiritual transformation. Discussion: These findings suggest promise for the therapeutic application of religion-related films. The muted emotional expression in these films creates a safe space for self-reflection, enabling viewers to connect with the struggles of the characters and explore their own values when faced with complex religious ideas. This emotional engagement may contribute to therapeutic goals such as introspection and personal growth. The study unveils the unique emotional power of religion-related films and paves the way for further research on their potential as therapeutic tools. It emphasizes the need for continued exploration of the emotional impact of these films and their capacity to aid in therapeutic goals.


Emotions , Motion Pictures , Humans , Religion , Narration
2.
BMC Psychol ; 12(1): 326, 2024 Jun 04.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38835060

This study seeks to analyze the psychological construction of Unconventional Religious Orientations and their association with individual income level satisfaction within Generation Z. Generation Z, individuals born between 1995 and 2010, grew up in a socio-cultural context marked by digitization and globalization. This study identifies three key dimensions of Unconventional Religious Orientations: religious spiritual dependence, religious instrumental tendencies, and religious uniqueness identity. By combining rootedness theory, semi-structured interviews, and literature review, we constructed and refined a set of relevant scales. Using exploratory and validation factor analyses (EFA and CFA), we verified the structural validity of the scale. The results of the analyses revealed significant negative correlations between satisfaction with income level and all dimensions of Unconventional Religious Orientation for Generation Z, suggesting that Unconventional Religious Orientation tends to diminish as income satisfaction increases. In addition, the significant positive correlations between these dimensions of religious inclination imply that they may share certain underlying factors in their psychological structure. This study not only successfully developed a set of psychometric instruments for Unconventional Religious Orientations, but also provided a new psychological perspective for understanding the dynamic interaction between economic satisfaction and religious psychological attitudes in Generation Z.


Income , Personal Satisfaction , Psychometrics , Religion and Psychology , Humans , Female , Psychometrics/instrumentation , Male , Adult , China , Middle Aged , Factor Analysis, Statistical , Spirituality , Surveys and Questionnaires/standards , Religion , East Asian People
3.
Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am ; 33(3): 411-421, 2024 Jul.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38823813

Religion and spirituality have long been known to impact both physical and mental health. Considering religion and spirituality as possible additions to social determinants of health, this article examines the current state of religion and spirituality in the United States and also discusses the ways in which they can contribute to the mental health of children and adolescents. Further, this article also discusses new approaches within religion and spirituality to address the changing needs of future generations.


Spirituality , Humans , Child , Adolescent , United States , Mental Health , Religion and Psychology , Religion
4.
Adv Mind Body Med ; 28(2): 40-55, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38837782

We present the case of 11 years of severe malabsorption, muscular atrophy, seizures, and immunodeficiency resolved after proximal intercessory prayer (PIP). A male infant suffered from severe abdominal pain and impaired development with the introduction of solid food at age five months. The patient had previously appeared healthy, having been born to term and breastfed. Neocate and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) were prescribed, and the former was removed due to abdominal pain and diarrhea. Ultimately, the patient became completely dependent on TPN. It was concluded that he suffered from chronic, idiopathic, severe malabsorption. Development of neutropenia, hypogamma-globulinemia, and hypotonia was recorded. Medical records document atrophy and progressive deterioration of muscular symptoms. At five years of age, frontal lobe epilepsy was detected. Over the course of the disease, several genetic tests were performed. Doctors tried unsuccessfully to diagnose an underlying condition, with various mitochondriopathies and Shwachman-Diamond syndrome suggested as possible causes, but no prognosis of recovery was given. Eleven years following the initial presentation of symptoms, proximal intercessory prayer (PIP) was administered in a single session. The patient reported no unusual sensations during prayer. However, oral feedings were immediately tolerated without discomfort from that time onward. Post-PIP medical records indicate discontinuation of TPN, seizures, and seizure medications. Progressive improvement in the hematological disorders, BMI, and muscular symptoms was also observed. The present case report describes a novel association between PIP and the lasting resolution of multiple symptoms likely related to a genetic disorder. The results inform ongoing discussions about faith-based practices in health care and suggest the need for additional studies of PIP on health outcomes.


Malabsorption Syndromes , Humans , Male , Malabsorption Syndromes/therapy , Malabsorption Syndromes/physiopathology , Muscular Atrophy , Seizures , Child , Religion
5.
J Vis Exp ; (207)2024 May 31.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38884478

This protocol presents a multi-modal neuroimaging approach to explore the potential brain activity associated with repetitive religious chanting, a widespread form of mind training in both Eastern and Western cultures. High-density electroencephalogram (EEG), with its superior temporal resolution, allows for capturing the dynamic changes in brain activity during religious chanting. Through source localization methods, these can be attributed to various alternative potential brain region sources. Twenty practitioners of religious chanting were measured with EEG. However, the spatial resolution of EEG is less precise, in comparison to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Thus, one highly experienced practitioner underwent an fMRI scanning session to guide the source localization more precisely. The fMRI data helped guide the selection of EEG source localization, making the calculation of K-means of the EEG source localization in the group of 20 intermediate practitioners more precise and reliable. This method enhanced EEG's ability to identify the brain regions specifically engaged during religious chanting, particularly the cardinal role of the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). The PCC is a brain area related to focus and self-referential processing. These multimodal neuroimaging and neurophysiological results reveal that repetitive religious chanting can induce lower centrality and higher delta-wave power compared to non-religious chanting and resting state conditions. The combination of fMRI and EEG source analysis provides a more detailed understanding of the brain's response to repetitive religious chanting. The protocol contributes significantly to the research on the neural mechanisms involved in religious and meditative practices, which is becoming more prominent nowadays. The results of this study could have significant implications for developing future neurofeedback techniques and psychological interventions.


Brain , Electroencephalography , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Electroencephalography/methods , Brain/physiology , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Neuroimaging/methods , Multimodal Imaging/methods , Religion , Adult
6.
Clinics (Sao Paulo) ; 79: 100389, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38795523

The authors aim to study Religiosity/Spirituality (R/S) and Quality of Life (QoL) in patients with Crohn's disease and their correlation with the disease phenotypes. METHODS: Prospective cross-sectional cohort study with 151 consecutive patients enrolled from March 2021 to October 2021 at the Colorectal IBD Outpatient of Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP). Sociodemographic, Religiosity/Spirituality (Duke University Religion Index - Durel) questionnaires and QoL (Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire - Short IBDQ-S) were applied. When necessary, qualitative variables were evaluated using the chi-square or Fisher's exact test. The Mann-Whitney and Kruskall-Wallis tests were used to analyze quantitative variables and compare more than two groups, both non-parametric statistical techniques. RESULTS: The most frequent location was Ileocolonic followed by Ileal and colonic (41.1 %, 27.2 %, and 25.2 %); only 6.6 % of subjects had a perianal presentation. Inflammatory, stenosing, and penetrating behaviors showed 36.4 %, 19.1 %, and 44.4 % respectively. The majority of the population is Catholic, Evangelical, or Spiritualist (92.4 %). QoL score showed no significant difference in the phenotypes. The scores for DUREL domains were 61.4 % for organizational religiosity, 75 % for non-organizational religiosity, 98.6 %, 93.6 % and 89.3 % for intrinsic spirituality, with high results in all disease phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS: The studied population presented homogeneous sociodemographic results and high religious and spiritual activity. R/S in a positive context were not associated with better QoL or phenotype. R/S is present in the patients' lives and could be seen as an important tool for adherence to treatment and the professional relationship between doctor and patient. The homogeneity of the sample difficult for an appropriate evaluation, which leads us to suggest new studies with more heterogeneous groups.


Crohn Disease , Quality of Life , Spirituality , Humans , Quality of Life/psychology , Crohn Disease/psychology , Male , Female , Cross-Sectional Studies , Adult , Prospective Studies , Middle Aged , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young Adult , Brazil , Religion , Socioeconomic Factors , Statistics, Nonparametric
7.
Maturitas ; 185: 108010, 2024 Jul.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38701716

OBJECTIVES: This study's aim is to examine patterns of menopause symptoms and attitudes among United States women from different religious affiliations. STUDY DESIGN: We used data from a national sample of midlife and older adults. For this analysis, we included only women who were postmenopausal or had undergone hysterectomy. We constructed univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to examine the relationship between religious affiliation and menopause symptoms and attitudes while adjusting for potential confounders. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Menopause symptoms (hot flashes, pain in sexual interactions, pleasure in sexual interactions, trouble falling asleep) and attitudes (relief on periods stopping, regret on periods stopping, worry about becoming less attractive) measured by self-report on Likert scales. RESULTS: Across denominations, 47 % of women experienced hot flashes, 48 % experienced pain in sexual interactions, 95 % experienced pleasure, and 88 % had trouble falling asleep. Regarding attitudes towards menopause and aging, 62 % felt relief in their periods stopping, while 56 % expressed worry about becoming less attractive with aging. Baptist women were more likely to experience hot flashes and trouble falling asleep compared to Catholic women. However, when adjusted for smoking status, this relationship did not persist. Unaffiliated and Spiritual women were less likely to experience trouble falling asleep and more likely to report pleasure in sexual interactions compared to Catholic women. Spiritual women were significantly more likely to feel regret on periods stopping compared to Catholics. CONCLUSIONS: There is a relationship between religious affiliation and the menopause experience. These findings demonstrate the importance of considering social influences on women's health.


Hot Flashes , Menopause , Humans , Female , Middle Aged , United States , Hot Flashes/psychology , Menopause/psychology , Aged , Religion , Adult , Attitude to Health , Logistic Models , Sexual Behavior/psychology
9.
PLoS One ; 19(5): e0303762, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38753860

The present study, focused on pilgrimages as part of religious tourism, aimed to achieve the following objectives: Identify the motivations of the demand for religious tourism focused on pilgrimages; analyze the segmentation of the demand; identify the relationship between demand segments with satisfaction and loyalty; and establish the sociodemographic aspects that characterize demand segments. The study was conducted during the Pilgrimage of the Christ of Miracles in Lima, Peru. The sample was taken on-site from 384 tourists. The statistical techniques used were factor analysis and the k-means clustering method. The results reveal five motivational dimensions: Religious Experience, Belief Experience, Escape, Touristic Experience, and Shopping. Three attendee segments were also identified: Believers, related to belief experience; Religious, related to religious experience; and Passive, tourists with low motivations. The Religious segment had the highest satisfaction and loyalty levels among these groups. Sociodemographic differences were also found in the demand segments. The findings will contribute to management guidelines for destination administrators with religious events and provide insights into academic literature.


Motivation , Religion , Tourism , Humans , Peru , Female , Male , Adult , Middle Aged , Young Adult
10.
Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging ; 341: 111812, 2024 Jul.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38631136

In this study, 32 older adults with and without mood disorders completed resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and measures of demographics, spirituality/religion, positive and negative religious coping, and depression. Group Independent Component Analysis identified and selected three a priori resting state networks [cingulo-opercular salience (cSN), central executive (CEN) and Default Mode Networks (DMN)] within the Triple Network Mode. We investigated associations of religious coping with within- and between-network connectivity, controlling for age. Insular connectivity within the cSN was associated with negative religious coping. Religious coping was associated with anti-correlation between the DMN and CEN even when controlling for depression.


Adaptation, Psychological , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Mood Disorders , Humans , Female , Male , Aged , Adaptation, Psychological/physiology , Mood Disorders/psychology , Mood Disorders/diagnostic imaging , Mood Disorders/physiopathology , Middle Aged , Spirituality , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Brain/physiopathology , Religion , Default Mode Network/diagnostic imaging , Default Mode Network/physiopathology , Religion and Psychology
11.
Med Decis Making ; 44(4): 426-436, 2024 May.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38600776

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) poses a significant public health concern, as it is linked to various serious health conditions such as cancer and genital warts. Despite the vaccine's safety, efficacy, and availability through national school programs, HPV vaccination rates remain low in Israel, particularly within the ultra-Orthodox community due to religious and cultural barriers. Decision aids have shown promise in facilitating shared decision making and promoting informed choices in health care. This study aimed to assess the impact of a novel Web-based decision aid on HPV vaccination intentions, knowledge, decision self-efficacy, and decisional conflict among Israeli parents and young adults, with a specific focus on exploring differences between religious groups. METHODS: Two Web-based decision aids were developed for parents of children aged 10 to 17 y (n = 120) and young adults aged 18 to 26 y (n = 160). A quasi-experimental study was conducted among Hebrew-speaking parents and young adults eligible for HPV vaccination. Participants completed pre- and postintervention questionnaires assessing vaccination intentions, knowledge about HPV, decision self-efficacy, and decisional conflict. RESULTS: The decision aid significantly improved intentions toward HPV vaccination among most religious groups, except the Jewish ultra-Orthodox community. Ultra-Orthodox participants exhibited reluctance to vaccinate themselves or their children (odds ratio [OR] = 0.23, P < 0.001 for parents' group; OR = 0.43, P < 0.001 for young adults' group). Parental preference for vaccinating girls over boys (OR = 2.66, P < 0.001) and increased inclination for vaccination among Muslim-Arabs were observed (OR = 3.12, P < 0.001). Knowledge levels improved among ultra-Orthodox participants but not decisional conflict and self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: The Web-based decision aid positively influenced the quality of HPV vaccination decision making among various religious groups in Israel, except for the ultra-Orthodox community. Culturally tailored approaches that address specific community concerns are essential for informed decision making. HIGHLIGHTS: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates in Israel are substantially lower than those of other routine vaccinations, particularly among religious and ultra-Orthodox communities, largely due to sociocultural beliefs and misinformation.A newly developed Web-based decision aid was implemented in a study involving parents and young adults to evaluate its impact on vaccination intent, knowledge about HPV, decision self-efficacy, and decisional conflict.While the decision aid significantly enhanced vaccination intention, knowledge, and perceived behavioral control among various religious groups, it did not yield the same outcomes within the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community.This study highlights the vital role of cultural adaptation in HPV vaccine decision aids within Israel, revealing significant disparities in vaccination perceptions and decisions among diverse religious and cultural groups.


Decision Making , Decision Support Techniques , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Papillomavirus Infections , Papillomavirus Vaccines , Humans , Female , Male , Papillomavirus Vaccines/administration & dosage , Papillomavirus Vaccines/therapeutic use , Adolescent , Adult , Israel , Young Adult , Papillomavirus Infections/prevention & control , Child , Parents/psychology , Internet , Self Efficacy , Surveys and Questionnaires , Religion , Vaccination/psychology , Middle Aged
12.
Obes Rev ; 25(7): e13741, 2024 Jul.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38572610

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to summarize the current body of evidence concerning the prevalence of obesity among clergy (i.e., the officially designated leaders of a religious group) in the United States. METHOD: From November 2022 to February 2023, five databases, one data repository, and gray matter were searched for articles and data sources. The search was restricted to articles published or raw data collected from 2001 to 2021. Study quality was assessed with a template, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 statistic. The protocol for this review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022376592). RESULTS: Forty-seven studies of clergy obesity involving 35,064 individuals were eligible. The pooled prevalence estimate of obesity across studies was 34.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 32.5-37.2). Obesity prevalence was found to be increasing over time and to vary considerably between clergy from different religious traditions. Compared to national estimates, from 2005 onwards, obesity prevalence was higher than in the US adult population.


Clergy , Obesity , Humans , United States/epidemiology , Obesity/epidemiology , Prevalence , Religion
13.
J Nutr Educ Behav ; 56(6): 380-391, 2024 Jun.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38583161

OBJECTIVE: To identify common themes of the meaning of food among people who identify with a specific religious tradition, particularly focusing on potential applications for nutrition education and professional practice at multiple levels of the Social-Ecological Model. DESIGN: Virtual and in-person focus groups were used to collect qualitative data. SETTING: A midsized city in eastern Washington State. PARTICIPANTS: Nine focus groups (n = 35), each representing a distinct religious congregation. PHENOMENON OF INTEREST: Meaning of food in the context of religion. ANALYSIS: Qualitative, reflexive thematic analysis using web-based software to organize data. RESULTS: Four key themes were identified that applied to both of the overarching focus group topic areas (general and religious): (1) food fosters connection, (2) food influences health, (3) relationships with food are complicated, and (4) food choices reflect values. Subthemes were specific to topic areas. In religious contexts, the meaning of food was more likely understood at a community level in addition to individual and relational levels of the Social-Ecological Model. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Acknowledgment and consideration of the religious identities of patients and clients may provide greater opportunities for community connection, which may have potential implications for community-level nutrition interventions.


Focus Groups , Qualitative Research , Humans , Female , Male , Adult , Middle Aged , Washington , Religion , Young Adult , Aged
14.
Article Es, Pt | LILACS | ID: biblio-1551268

INTRODUÇÃO: Por muito tempo os profissionais de saúde seguiram um modelo com uma visão fragmentada do cuidado, focado apenas na doença. Atualmente, esse modelo tem mudado e os profissionais têm adotado uma visão integral do sujeito, ampliando o entendimento de saúde para aspectos biopsicossociais e espiritual no conceito multidimensional de saúde. OBJETIVOS: analisar o processo de formação do profissional de saúde durante a pós-graduação sobre a inclusão da religiosidade e espiritualidade como prática de cuidado em saúde, e identificar as etapas vivenciadas. MÉTODO: Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, que tem como base metodológica um relato de experiência de março de 2021 a novembro de 2022, a partir da prática de uma residente fisioterapeuta do Programa Multiprofissional em Clínica da Pessoa e da Família. RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO: Foram definidos a divisão e o compartilhamento de algumas fases de aprendizado durante a residência: (1) Desconhecimento sobre o tema na graduação, (2) Introdução teórica ao tema da Espiritualidade e (3) Abordagem com os pacientes e os impactos na minha formação. A análise das etapas foi realizada com base nas leituras de artigos científicos realizadas para embasamento do presente estudo. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: É importante que mais estudos sobre o tema sejam desenvolvidos, com objetivo de incentivar discussões sobre o assunto nas universidades, para que futuros profissionais de saúde tenham uma formação humanizada, ademais, desenvolver métodos eficazes para integração da espiritualidade na prática clínica e construir/validar escalas no Brasil.


INTRODUCTION: For a long time, health professionals followed a model with a fragmented view of care, focused only on the disease. Currently, this model has changed and professionals have adopted an integral view of the subject, expanding the understanding of health to biopsychosocial and spiritual aspects in the multidimensional concept of health. OBJECTIVES: analyze the training process of health professionals during postgraduate studies on the inclusion of religion and spirituality as a health care practice, identifying the stages experienced. METHOD: This is qualitative research and its methodological basis is an experience report from March 2021 to November 2022, based on the practice of a physiotherapist resident of the Multiprofessional Program in Clínica da Pessoa e da Família. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: It was defined the division and sharing of some learning phases during the residency: (1) Lack of knowledge about the subject in graduation, (2) Theoretical introduction to the theme of Spirituality and (3) Approach with patients and the impacts on my training. The analysis of the stages was carried out based on the readings of scientific articles carried out for the basis of the present study. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: It is important that more studies on the subject be developed with the aim of encouraging discussions on the subject in universities so that future health professionals have a humanized training, in addition, to develop effective methods for integrating spirituality into clinical practice and to build/validate scales in Brazil.


INTRODUCCIÓN: Durante mucho tiempo, los profesionales de la salud siguieron un modelo con una visión fragmentada del cuidado, centrado únicamente en la enfermedad. Actualmente, ese modelo ha cambiado y los profesionales han adoptado una visión integral del tema, ampliando la comprensión de la salud a aspectos biopsicosociales y espirituales en el concepto multidimensional de la salud. OBJETIVOS: analizar el proceso de formación de los profesionales de la salud durante los estudios de posgrado sobre la inclusión de la religión y la espiritualidad como práctica de atención a la salud, identificando las etapas vividas. MÉTODO: Esta es una investigación cualitativa y su base metodológica es un relato de experiencia de marzo de 2021 a noviembre de 2022, basado en la práctica de un fisioterapeuta residente del Programa Multiprofesional en la Clínica da Pessoa e da Família. RESULTADOS Y DISCUSIÓN: Se definió la división y puesta en común de algunas fases de aprendizaje durante la residencia: (1) Falta de conocimiento sobre el tema en la graduación, (2) Introducción teórica al tema de la Espiritualidad y (3) Acercamiento con los pacientes y los impactos en mi entrenamiento. El análisis de las etapas se realizó a partir de las lecturas de artículos científicos realizadas para la base del presente estudio. CONSIDERACIONES FINALES: Es importante que se desarrollen más estudios sobre el tema con el objetivo de incentivar discusiones sobre el tema en las universidades para que los futuros profesionales de la salud tengan una formación humanizada, además de desarrollar métodos efectivos para integrar la espiritualidad en la práctica clínica y para construir/validar escalas en Brasil.


Religion , Health Personnel , Spirituality
15.
Int Rev Psychiatry ; 36(1-2): 165-179, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38557337

The article presents two theoretical perspectives that provide a helpful framework in psychobiographical research, especially when psychobiographies concern religious suicide. The first is typical in contemporary psychology, a subjective analysis focused on the individual, looking at life course/lifetime in the light of personality psychology. The second one is represented by anthropological research on the concept of honour-shame and the sociological works of E. Durkheim. Contemporary psychobiography should consider sociocultural context and refer to social sciences (anthropology, sociology). This applies in particular to the psychobiographies of people representing a world of values different from the Western world, i.e. non-WEIRD people. The problem is especially true of monotheistic religions that grew up in the world of honour-shame cultural code (Middle East, Mediterranean culture). The natural human need for psychological power is then woven into a specific set of beliefs and values that may, in extreme cases, favour the decision to commit suicide. Suicide acts seen in this perspective are no longer the act of sick or socially alienated people but often the act of fully healthy, conscious, educated and socially integrated people. Such a dramatic decision may become the only way to regain a sense of dignity, strength and control.


Personality , Suicide , Humans , Personality Disorders , Religion , Middle East
16.
PLoS One ; 19(4): e0301905, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38630659

This paper evaluates the direct and indirect impacts (and their interactions) of individual and social ethics from (primary, secondary, tertiary) education and religion (Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism) on health and happiness in alternative religious contexts (majority and minority religions) and for alternative education policies (gross enrolment and per-student expenditure). It also specifies the time lag for the short-run indirect impact (and its size) of happiness on health and the long-run equilibria of both happiness and health. The statistical results show that there is no religious or secular ethics with beneficial impacts on both happiness and health at both the individual and social levels. Next, education policies have similar impacts on both happiness and health in all religious contexts, while most religious ethics have larger beneficial impacts on health and happiness if coupled with social and individual education policies, respectively. Combined statistical and analytical results show that the largest short-run indirect impact of happiness on health occurs after 4 years, where 1 out of 10 points of happiness produces approximately 3 additional years of healthy life expectancy at birth. Next, the long-run equilibria of both happiness and health are globally stable and are achieved after 8 years through oscillation dynamics.


Happiness , Religion , Infant, Newborn , Humans , Christianity , Hinduism , Islam , Buddhism
17.
BMJ Open ; 14(4): e077932, 2024 Apr 11.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38604631

OBJECTIVES: To examine family planning through the community's perception, belief system and cultural impact; in addition to identifying the determining factors for family planning uptake. DESIGN: A descriptive exploratory study. SETTING: Three communities were selected from three local government areas, each in the three senatorial districts in Ekiti State. PARTICIPANTS: The study was conducted among young unmarried women in the reproductive age group who were sexually active as well as married men and women in the reproductive age group who are currently living with their partners and were sexually active. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Eight focus group discussions were conducted in the community in 2019 with 28 male and 50 female participants. The audio recordings were transcribed, triangulated with notes and analysed using QSR NVivo V.8 software. Community perception, beliefs and perceptions of the utility of family planning, as well as cultural, religious and other factors determining family planning uptake were analysed. RESULTS: The majority of the participants had the perception that family planning helps married couple only. There were diverse beliefs about family planning and mixed reactions with respect to the impact of culture and religion on family planning uptake. Furthermore, a number of factors were identified in determining family planning uptake-intrapersonal, interpersonal and health system factors. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that there are varied reactions to family planning uptake due to varied perception, cultural and religious beliefs and determining factors. It was recommended that more targeted male partner engagement in campaign would boost family planning uptake.


Family Planning Services , Religion , Humans , Male , Female , Family Planning Services/methods , Nigeria , Focus Groups , Contraception Behavior
18.
Perspect Biol Med ; 67(1): 96-113, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38662066

This essay explores a more inclusive and equitable interpretation of "religion" within the context of religious vaccine exemptions. The existing literature critiques the prevalent interpretation of the meaning of religion in religious exemption cases, but frequently overlooks the importance of incorporating the concept of "lived religion." This essay introduces the concept of lived religion from religious studies, elucidates why this lived religion approach is crucial for redefining "religion," and illustrates its application in the domain of religious vaccine exemptions. The author contends that broadening the meaning of religion by employing the concept of lived religion would promote a more inclusive and equitable implementation of religious vaccine exemptions.


Religion and Medicine , Humans , Religion , Vaccination/psychology , Vaccination/legislation & jurisprudence , Vaccines , Vaccination Refusal/psychology
20.
Vaccine ; 42(13): 3215-3219, 2024 May 10.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38677793

BACKGROUND: While many countries have successfully deployed COVID-19 vaccination programmes, there are disparities in their uptake. One factor influencing vaccine coverage is religion. Existing research has found a link between religious beliefs and vaccine hesitancy. This study looks at religion in England to examine its relationship with public health. METHODS: This analysis used data from a survey of over 12,000 respondents in England, conducted through the YouGov Online Panel. Respondents were asked whether they identified with a religion, and if so which, and the number of COVID-19 vaccinations they had received. We employed logistic regressions to analyse the data, accounting for age, gender, education, generalised trust, trust in government, and political ideology. RESULTS: We find that respondents who identify as part of the Church of England have had significantly more COVID-19 vaccinations. Conversely, adherents to the Pentecostal Evangelical and Islamic faiths have had significantly fewer COVID-19 vaccinations. These relationships hold even when adjusting for age, education, level of trust, and political affiliation. CONCLUSION: This research indicates a potential influence of religious affiliation on vaccine uptake, highlighting the need for more carefully-tailored public health programmes. Recognizing the diverse associations of different religious affiliations on health behaviour is important for shaping future vaccination campaigns and policy interventions. Engaging with religious communities and leaders may be one method through which to deal with vaccine hesitancy and improve public health.


COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19 , Religion , Vaccination Hesitancy , Humans , England , COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage , Male , Female , COVID-19/prevention & control , Adult , Middle Aged , Vaccination Hesitancy/statistics & numerical data , Vaccination Hesitancy/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires , SARS-CoV-2 , Vaccination/psychology , Vaccination/statistics & numerical data , Young Adult , Aged , Adolescent , Immunization Programs/statistics & numerical data , Public Health
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