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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 March 2022) | Viewed by 32818

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jitse P. van Dijk

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Guest Editor

1. Department of Community and Occupational Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
2. Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic
3. Graduate School Kosice Institute for Society and Health, P.J. Safarik University in Kosice, 040 11 Kosice, Slovakia
Interests: mental health; adolescents; Roma health; religiosity/spirituality and health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Klára Maliňáková

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Guest Editor

Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacký University Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic
Interests: religiosity/spirituality and health; sensory processing sensitivity; mental health; adolescents

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Religiosity and spirituality (R/S) are connected with many areas of human life and are being recognised, especially in recent decades, as protective factors regarding human health. A growing number of studies report positive associations of R/S with mental health, e.g., a higher life satisfaction and meaning in life, a lower prevalence of anxiety and depression, lower suicidal tendencies, a lower substance abuse and a better cognitive functioning. Moreover, research shows also a lower health risk-taking behaviour and positive associations with physical health, e.g., a better functioning of the circulatory system, better immune and endocrine functions, a better self-rated health and a lower mortality. However, a minority of the studies still report either mixed or negative findings. There are several possible explanations of these discrepancies. First, both religiosity and spirituality are hard to measure multidimensional constructs and so measurement problems can contribute to the heterogeneity of results. Moreover, research on R/S is often oversimplified, not taking into account different dimensions of these constructs. Second, most of the research on associations of R/S with health has been performed in predominantly religious countries and there is significantly less literature documenting the associations in other cultural environments, such as secular countries. Third, some ways of experiencing R/S has already been associated with worse health conditions, and so it seems important to take into account also so-called religious and spiritual struggles and negative religious coping. Thus, a better understanding the underlying mechanisms may add to our insight into the concept of R/S and its meaning for health and may have more practical implications for the work of psychotherapists, counsellors, psychiatrists, carers and other workers in helping professions.

This Special Issue seeks research papers on the associations of R/S with health that will contribute to a deeper understanding of the nature of these associations and of the conditions under which is R/S protective for health. It especially welcomes papers describing associations of R/S with health in secular countries, papers documenting consequences of measurement problems in R/S, papers focusing on less explored aspects of R/S, e.g., a God image, and papers that are connecting R/S with a broader context of one’s personality and a way of living.

Prof. Dr. Jitse P. van Dijk
Dr. Klára Maliňáková
Guest Editors

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Keywords

Religiosity
Spirituality
Health
Secular countries
Types of spirituality
Religious and spiritual struggles
Religious coping
Dimensions of R/S
God image

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 616 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between Christian Religiosity and Adolescent Substance Use in China

by Spencer De Li, Jiaqi Lu and Yiyi Chen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11233; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811233 - 7 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2049

Abstract

Abundant research has shown that Christian religiosity inhibits adolescent substance use, especially in communities where most of the population shares the same religious values and beliefs. Due to the lack of empirical research, it is unclear if Christian religiosity has the same inhibitory influence in predominantly secular and religiously diverse societies. This study aims to bridge this gap and thereby improve our understanding of the relationship between Christian religiosity and delinquent behavior in different cultural contexts. Through the analysis of survey data collected from a large probability sample of adolescents in China’s special administrative region of Macau, this study found a strong inverse relationship between Christian religiosity and adolescent substance use, despite the predominantly secular nature of Macau society. In contrast, religious commitment among non-Christian youths showed no relationship with substance use. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religiosity, Spirituality and Health)

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18 pages, 1069 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In the Shadow of the Casinos: The Relationship between Religion and Health in Macau

by Yiyi Chen, Jiaqi Lu, Canghai Guan, Shiyang Zhang and Spencer De Li

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5605; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095605 - 5 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2590

Abstract

Considerable research has shown that religion operates as a protective factor for one’s health. However, there is still a lack of understanding of the mechanisms by which religion is linked to individual health and wellbeing, especially in predominantly secular societies. This study tried to address this gap by developing a theoretical model to examine how religiosity is related to life satisfaction and health perception in a non-Western culture. Macau, a Portuguese colony until 1999, remains a diversified culture because of its intermixed historical background from the East and the West. Through structural equation modeling, the analysis of data collected from a representative sample of Macau residents, using a multistage stratified sampling procedure, indicated a positive link between religiosity and health. Moreover, altruism and prejudice mediated a portion of the relationship between religiosity and health. Additionally, our results demonstrated that Macau residents who were more religious had a higher level of altruism and a lower level of prejudice. The link between religion and prejudice in Macau differs from that of many other cultures, indicating that the effect of religion on prejudice varies by cultural context. In sum, our study showed that even in the shadow of glittering casinos, religion is positively related to health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religiosity, Spirituality and Health)

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15 pages, 355 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of a Spiritual History with Elderly Multi-Morbid Patients in General Practice—A Mixed-Methods Study within the Project HoPES3

by Ruth Mächler, Noemi Sturm, Eckhard Frick, Friederike Schalhorn, Regina Stolz, Jan Valentini, Johannes Krisam and Cornelia Straßner

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 538; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010538 - 4 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2235

Abstract

Background: The “Holistic Care Program for Elderly Patients to Integrate Spiritual Needs, Social Activity and Self-Care into Disease Management in Primary Care” (HoPES3) examines the implementation of a spiritual history (SH) as part of a multifaceted intervention in German general practices. While the effectiveness of the interventions was evaluated in a cluster-randomized trial, this article investigates the patients’ views concerning the acceptability of the SH and its effects. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted in which 133 patients of the intervention group filled in a standardized questionnaire after the intervention. Later, 29 of these patients took part in qualitative semi-standardized interviews. Results: According to the survey, 63% (n = 77) of patients found the SH helpful. In the interviews, however, many indicated that they either kept the conversation brief or declined the offer to talk about spirituality. Contents of longer conversations referred to difficult life events, personal sources of strength, and experiences with religious institutions. Many patients who had a longer conversation about spirituality reported that their relationship with their general practitioner (GP) had improved. Almost all patients recommended integrating a personal conversation of this kind into primary care. Conclusions: The SH seems to be a possible ‘door opener’ for a trusting doctor-patient relationship, which can then be built upon. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religiosity, Spirituality and Health)

12 pages, 584 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychometric Analysis of the Shortened Version of the Spiritual Well-Being Scale on the Slovak Population (SWBS-Sk)

by Peter Tavel, Bibiana Jozefiakova, Peter Telicak, Jana Furstova, Michal Puza and Natalia Kascakova

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 511; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010511 - 3 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2339

Abstract

This study was focused on verifying the factor structure of the shortened version of the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) on a representative sample of adult Slovak citizens (N = 1018, 49% men, age 18–85 years, and mean age 46.2). The shortened version of the SWBS consists of 10 items divided into two subscales: religious well-being (RWB) and existential well-being (EWB). Results of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed insufficient parameters of the full two-factor model due to three negatively formulated items. After their exclusion, the two-factor model was found to be valid in the Slovakian population (χ (13) = 53.1, p < 0.001, χ²/df = 4.1, CFI = 0.999, TLI = 0.999, RMSEA = 0.055, and SRMR = 0.028). The reliability of the final version of the SWBS-Sk, consisting of seven positively worded items, is high, with α = 0.86 and ω = 0.94. Religious respondents and women scored significantly higher on the whole scale (p = 0.001) as well as on the two subscales (p < 0.05). A higher age was associated with a higher RWB score (p = 0.001) and a lower EWB score (p = 0.002). The shortened version of the SWBS-Sk consisting of positively worded items was found to be valid and reliable for further use in the Slovak environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religiosity, Spirituality and Health)

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12 pages, 342 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Czech and Slovak Members of Religious Institutes: Their Health in Comparison to the General Population

by Dana Jaksicova, Lukas Novak, Vit Husek, Peter Tavel and Klara Malinakova

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 9944; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18199944 - 22 Sep 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2211

Abstract

This study examines the general health of consecrated persons (CP) in the Czech Republic (CZ) and in Slovakia (SK) compared to control samples of the Czech population. The sample of 293 CP participants (age: M = 47.52, SD = 9.57, females: 78.88%, 180 Czechs, 213 Slovaks) was compared with two control samples, one of which was nationally representative. Comparing CP with the general population, we measured the frequency of recent health complaints, the occurrence of chronic illnesses, general health and the individual chronotype. Compared to the representative sample, CP had a higher chance of suffering from pelvis minor pain and obesity but a lower chance of diabetes. Furthermore, CP had higher odds of having worse general health. Comparing “larks” with “night owls” among CP, the “night owls” had a significantly higher chance of suffering from worse general health. “Night owl” CP also seem to suffer more from backache and depression/anxiety and to have more problems with falling asleep. Compared to the overall society, CP in CZ and SK tend to have similar or worse general health. The results differ from the findings in the US, pointing to the positive health effects of the spiritual experience and structured daily routine of CP. Thus, this study shows the importance of more detailed research on the way of life of Czech and Slovak CP to determine the factors with the most negative health effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religiosity, Spirituality and Health)

14 pages, 346 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coping during COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Community: Religious Attitudes, Practices and Associated Factors

by Fahad D. Algahtani, Mohamed Ali Alzain, Najoua Haouas, Khadijah Angawi, Bandar Alsaif, Adel Kadri, Mohamed A. Dkhil, Mejdi Snoussi and Rafat Zrieq

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(16), 8651; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168651 - 16 Aug 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2701

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many societies’ life aspects and activities including social and Islamic practices; more attention should be given to investigate the interaction between Islamic worships and the spread of the disease. Here, we performed a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire to assess the preventive Islamic attitudes and practices during the COVID-19 lockdown period from the Saudi publics’ perspectives. Mann-Whitney, Kruskal and logistic regression tests were used to analyze the data. The results revealed that most participants had positive Islamic attitudes and practices. However, elders and males were less obeyed to preventive measures during performing worship (p < 0.05). While younger, females and not married were less obeyed when dealing with COVID-19 related death (p < 0.05). Even though, elders were less likely to have poor social and Islamic practices concerning adherence to preventive measures during the pandemic (OR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.176–0.816) than younger. Furthermore, males, Saudi participants, lower education level, lower Islamic attitudes scores were more likely to have poor social and Islamic practices concerning adherence to preventive measures during the pandemic (OR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.126–2.421; OR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.067–2.322; OR = 3.09; 95% CI: 1.721–5.563; and OR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.309–2.753, respectively), than their corresponding targeted counterparts. Thus, despite the high preventative perceptions of Islamic attitudes and practices of the Saudi community, our study highlighted some risk groups with less preventative practices. Thus, targeted health education interventions are highly recommended for these risk groups to enhance the commitment to government instructions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religiosity, Spirituality and Health)

11 pages, 345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Importance of Spirituality for Women Facing Breast Cancer Diagnosis: A Qualitative Study

by Diva Cristina Morett Romano Leão, Eliane Ramos Pereira, María Nieves Pérez-Marfil, Rose Mary Costa Rosa Andrade Silva, Angelo Braga Mendonça, Renata Carla Nencetti Pereira Rocha and María Paz García-Caro

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6415; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126415 - 13 Jun 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4253

Abstract

Breast cancer remains significantly distressing and produces profound changes in women’s lives. Spirituality is an important resource at the time of diagnosis and treatment decisions. This qualitative study aimed to explore the spiritual experience of women diagnosed with breast cancer and the considerations of spirituality in health care using the existential phenomenology approach. The sampling procedure was intentional, based on the study’s exclusion and inclusion criteria. Forty women participated in individual interviews. The research was conducted in the outpatient clinic of a reference federal university hospital in South-Eastern Brazil. Throughout the research process, ethical principles were carefully followed. Five themes were identified: (1) meaning of spirituality–source of spiritual strength, (2) well-being in the relationship with God, (3) well-being in religious fellowship, (4) values and purpose of life–meaning in life, and (5) spirituality as a foundation to continue. Respect for patient’s spiritual values was recognised as a fundamental principle in health care. Spirituality was revealed as a source of support during the complex process of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Thus, health care professionals that value and encourage spirituality are needed, favouring better patient response to the diagnosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religiosity, Spirituality and Health)

21 pages, 1200 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Religiosity, Emotions, Resilience, and Wellness during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study of Taiwanese University Students

by Inna Reddy Edara, Fides del Castillo, Gregory Siy Ching and Clarence Darro del Castillo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6381; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126381 - 12 Jun 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4452

Abstract

One hard fact of COVID-19 is the uncertainty of all things. Anchoring on the assumption that the religiosity of an individual has a profound impact on their emotions, resilience, and wellness, this study investigated the levels of the centrality of religiosity, emotions towards God, resilience, and wellness among 399 Taiwanese university students. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, factor analysis, group comparisons, multiple regression, and mediation analysis. Findings showed that most of the participants were religious. Furthermore, the 16 emotions towards God were successfully factored into three distinct sub-groups, namely: pleasant, unpleasant, and moral valence, which were later found to be quite related to Asian religions. More importantly, the results suggested that the resiliency of an individual can be attributed to their belief in the existence of God or the Divine, while the wellness indicators of security and satisfaction were related to one’s religiosity. Lastly, structural equation modeling showed that resilience fully mediated the relationship between the ideology dimension of religiosity and the security and satisfaction component of wellness. In addition to discussing these significant results, this paper also included some implications of the study results, particularly the importance of religiosity and emotions toward God or the Divine in sustaining resilience and promoting wellness, especially in the context of crisis, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religiosity, Spirituality and Health)

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13 pages, 329 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Childhood Trauma and Experience in Close Relationships Are Associated with the God Image: Does Religiosity Make a Difference?

by Alice Kosarkova, Klara Malinakova, Jitse P. van Dijk and Peter Tavel

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 8841; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17238841 - 28 Nov 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3630

Abstract

Religiosity and spirituality (R/S) and some of their specific aspects are associated with health. A negatively perceived relationship with God, which has adverse health outcomes, can be formed by human attachment both in childhood and adulthood. The aim of this study was to assess the associations of childhood trauma (CT) and experience in close relationships (ECR) with the God image in a secular environment by religiosity. A national representative sample of Czech adults (n = 1800, 51.1 ± 17.2 years; 43.5% men) participated in a survey. We measured CT (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire), ECR (Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised Questionnaire), image of God (questions from the 2005 Baylor Survey) and religiosity. Our results showed associations of CT and ECR with God images. Respondents who experienced CT were less likely to describe God as loving, always present and forgiving. Religious respondents were less likely to report positive God images with odds ratios (ORs) from 0.78 (0.66–0.94) to 0.95 (0.91–0.99), nonreligious respondents reported negative God images with ORs from 1.03 (1.00–1.06) to 1.22 (1.08–1.37). We found CT and problems in close relationships in adulthood are associated with a less positive God image, especially in nonreligious people. Understanding these associations may help prevent detrimental health outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religiosity, Spirituality and Health)

Review

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13 pages, 1019 KiB

Open AccessReview

Spiritual Needs Assessment in Post-Secular Contexts: An Integrative Review of Questionnaires

by Ricko D. Nissen, Erik Falkø, Tobias K. Stripp and Niels Christian Hvidt

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 12898; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182412898 - 7 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4057

Abstract

Research across healthcare contexts has shown that, if provided appropriately, spiritual care can be of significant benefit to patients. It can be challenging, however, to incorporate spiritual care in daily practice, not least in post-secular, culturally entwined, and pluralist contexts. The aim of this integrative review was to locate, evaluate and discuss spiritual-needs questionnaires from the post-secular perspective in relation to their applicability in secular healthcare. Eleven questionnaires were evaluated and discussed with a focus on religious/spiritual (RS) wording, local culturally entwined and pluralist contexts, and on whether a consensual understanding between patient and healthcare professional could be expected through RS wording. By highlighting some factors involved in implementing a spiritual-needs questionnaire in diverse cultural and vernacular contexts, this article can assist by providing a general guideline. This article offers an approach to the international exchange and implementation of knowledge, experiences, and best practice in relation to the use of spiritual needs-assessment questionnaires in post-secular contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religiosity, Spirituality and Health)

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