Private religion/spirituality, self-rated health, and mental health among US South Asians

Do Religion and Spirituality Buffer the Effect of Childhood Trauma on Depressive Symptoms? Examination of a South Asian Cohort from the USA

Asian Americans have been identified as a racial group that is disproportionately affected by childhood trauma. The goal of this study was  to assess if religion/spirituality moderate the effects of childhood trauma on adult depressive symptoms among a sample of South Asians in the USA. Our analysis drew from the study on stress, spirituality, and health (SSSH) questionnaire fielded in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study (n = 990) during 2016-2018. A series of regression models with multiplicative interaction terms were conducted. Emotional neglect, emotional abuse, and physical neglect were associated with higher depressive symptoms. Higher religious attendance and negative religious coping techniques were found to exacerbate this relationship. There were two findings conditional on gender. Among men, gratitude and positive religious coping also exacerbated the relationship between childhood trauma and depressive symptoms. Negative religious coping also exacerbated the association between childhood trauma and depressive symptoms for women. This is the first community-based study of US South Asians to consider the association between various forms of childhood trauma and depressive symptom outcomes. South Asians remain an understudied group in the religion and health literature, and this study sheds light on the important differences in the function and effectiveness of religion/spirituality for those faced with early life trauma.

Why Is Religious Attendance Linked to More Anxiety in U.S. South Asians? The Mediating Role of Congregational Neglect

OBJECTIVES

Previous research has identified a positive association between religious attendance and anxiety in U.S. South Asians. The current study assesses the mediating role of congregational neglect as a potential mechanism explaining this association.

DESIGN

Analyses relied on data from the Study on Stress, Spirituality, and Health (SSSH) questionnaire in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study (n = 936), the largest community-based study of health among U.S. South Asians. Analyses were conducted using path analysis and adjusted for a variety of background characteristics.

RESULTS

Results confirmed that higher levels of religious service attendance were associated with higher levels of anxiety. Congregational neglect was a significant mediator in this relationship, explaining 27% of the association between religious attendance and anxiety. Congregational neglect also had the second largest standardized coefficient in the model.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence that congregational neglect plays an important intervening role in the connection between religious service attendance and anxiety among U.S. South Asians. The findings move beyond description, flagging a relevant social process which underlies the relationship. By recognizing the potential adverse effects of religious attendance on anxiety in this population, it may be possible to develop interventions aimed at enhancing social inclusion in South Asian religious communities. In addition to practical implications, this study highlights the need for further research on how communal religious participation shapes mental health in ethnic and racial minority populations in the United States.

Religion/Spirituality and Prevalent Hypertension among Ethnic Cohorts in the Study on Stress, Spirituality, and Health

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is a significant public health issue, particularly for Blacks, Hispanics/Latinos, and South Asians who are at greater risk than whites. Religion and spirituality (R/S) have been shown to be protective, but this has been identified primarily in whites with limited R/S measures examined (i.e., religious service attendance).

PURPOSE

To assess hypertension prevalence (HP) in four racial/ethnic groups while incorporating an array of R/S variables, including individual prayer, group prayer, nontheistic daily spiritual experiences, yoga, gratitude, positive religious coping, and negative religious coping.

METHODS

Data were drawn from the Study on Stress, Spirituality, and Health, a consortium of ethnically diverse U.S. cohorts. The sample included 994 Black women, 838 Hispanic/Latino men and women, 879 South Asian men and women, and 3681 white women. Using a cross-sectional design, prevalence ratios for R/S and hypertension were reported for each cohort, in addition to pooled analyses. Given differences in R/S among men and women, all models were stratified by gender.

RESULTS

Different patterns of associations were found between women and men. Among women: 1) religious attendance was associated with lower HP among Black and white women; 2) gratitude was linked to lower HP among Hispanic/Latino, South Asian, and white women; 3) individual prayer was associated with higher HP among Hispanic/Latino and white women; 4) yoga was associated with higher HP among South Asian women, and 5) negative religious coping was linked to higher HP among Black women. Among men: significant results were only found among Hispanic/Latino men. Religious attendance and individual prayer were associated with higher HP, while group prayer and negative religious coping were associated with lower HP.

CONCLUSION

Religion/spirituality is a multifaceted construct that manifests differently by race/ethnicity and gender. Medical practitioners should avoid a one-size-fits-all approach to this topic when evaluating prevalent hypertension in diverse communities.

A multilevel framework to investigate cardiovascular health disparities among South Asian immigrants in the United States

PURPOSE

Prior studies of cardiovascular health (CVH) disparities among immigrants of South Asian origin in the United States have examined South Asians as one homogenous group, focused primarily on Indian-origin immigrants, and examined risk at the individual level.

METHODS

We present current knowledge and evidence gaps about CVH in the three largest South Asian-origin populations in the United States-Bangladeshi, Indian, and Pakistani-and draw on socioecological and lifecourse frameworks to propose a conceptual framework for investigating multilevel risk and protective factors of CVH across these groups.

RESULTS

The central hypothesis is that CVH disparities among South Asian populations exist due to differences in structural and social determinants, including lived experiences like discrimination, and that acculturation strategies and resilience resources (e.g., neighborhood environment, education, religiosity, social support) ameliorate stressors to act as health protective factors.

RESULTS

Conclusions: Our framework advances conceptualization of the heterogeneity and drivers of cardiovascular disparities in diverse South Asian-origin populations. We present specific recommendations to inform the design of future epidemiologic studies on South Asian immigrant health and the development of multilevel interventions to reduce CVH disparities and promote well-being.

Religiosity, Emotions and Health: The Role of Trust/Mistrust in God in People Affected by Cancer

Trust in God implies the conviction that God looks after a person’s own interests. The first evidence of a relationship between this construct and people’s psychological and emotional health dates back several centuries. However, the literature on this is limited, especially for people with physical health conditions, such as cancer. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to test the relationships between trust/mistrust in God, social support and emotions in people affected by cancer. The sample consisted of 177 women and men in Spain diagnosed with cancer. The instruments used were the Trust/Mistrust in God Scale, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Correlation analysis and hierarchical regression analysis were performed to compare several explanatory models for the dependent variables: positive and negative emotions. The results show significant relationships between all variables. It was observed that, when trust/mistrust in God is included in the model, only mistrust in God predicts both types of emotions. In addition, both social support and some sociodemographic variables help to predict the dependent variables. This study shows that valuing the religiosity and spirituality of oncology patients in healthcare settings can have a significant positive impact on the health of these individuals. Moreover, it represents an important approach to the study of trust/mistrust in God in the context of a traditionally Catholic country.

The effectiveness of spiritual intelligence educational interventions for nurses and nursing students: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To synthesize the best available research evidence regarding the effectiveness of spiritual intelligence educational interventions on spiritual intelligence and professional outcomes in nurses and nursing students.

BACKGROUND

Spiritual intelligence is a form of intelligence with which individuals can deal with a crisis, alter situations, solve problems and achieve goals through a set of capacities and abilities. Possessing spiritual intelligence contributes to professional practice and competence in the workplace and has been seen to be beneficial for nurses and nursing students. Nursing interventions to teach and increase understanding of spiritual intelligence have been explored in the literature, but the effectiveness of spiritual intelligence training for nurses and nursing students remains uncertain.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

A three-step systematized search of sixteen electronic English and Persian databases was conducted to identify randomized and non-randomized trials published in English and Persian from January 2000 to November 2021.

METHODS

The methodological quality of eligible studies was undertaken by two independent reviewers using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument. Meta-analyses were undertaken where appropriate using STATA v16.

RESULTS

Seven studies involving 512 participants were included. Pooled results demonstrated that those who received the educational intervention had significantly higher spiritual intelligence scores at 2 weeks (MD 13.38, 95 % CI: 5.76, 20.99) and one month follow up (MD 20.03, 95% CI: 6.61, 33.45) compared with those who did not. No difference in spiritual intelligence scores was observed among those who received spiritual intelligence education or life skills training (MD 7.52, 95 % CI -1.78, 16.82). Significantly higher communication skills (MD 5.41, 95 % CI: 2.16, 8.66), job satisfaction (MD; 11.30, 95 % CI: 8.63, 13.97) and spiritual care competence (MD; 28.55, 95 % CI: 26.08, 31.02) and decrease in overall stress (MD; 10.30, 95 % CI: 6.84, 13.76) among those who received the educational interventions were reported at the one-month follow-up. Significantly higher job satisfaction levels were also reported at 2-month follow-up among those who received the educational interventions (MD; 16, 95 % CI: 11.06, 20.94).

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence from this review demonstrates that spiritual intelligence educational interventions have a positive effect on spiritual intelligence and professional outcomes in nurses and nursing students. We noted that the outcomes in the studies included were mostly measured at one-month follow-up and with subjective measures. Longer trials with objective measures are required to provide higher levels of evidence. The results of this review are largely based on single trials and were limited in terms of the number of outcomes. Conducting further trials is warranted to identify the influence of such education on various professional outcomes in nursing practice.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Systematic review and meta-analysis shows spiritual intelligence educational interventions have a positive effect on nurses' and nursing students' spiritual intelligence, work-related stress and professional practice.

Is social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic a risk factor for depression?

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess factors associated with depression among higher education students and professionals during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: quantitative study with a cross-sectional design. 550 students and professionals participated. The data were collected by means of a digital questionnaire that included Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to assess depressive symptoms. Results: The factors related to depression and social isolation outcomes were significantly associated with the female gender (n= 149; 37,8%; Odds Ratio OR=2,0), white (n=127; 37,2%; OR=1,60), young people (n=130; 39,4%; OR=2,0), without religion (n=70; 40,2%; OR=1,64), with financial problems (n=80; 53,0%; OR=2,40) and family problems (n=98; 47,3%; OR=1,77); who suffered violence during the quarantine (n=28; 58,3%; OR=2,33), increased the use of illicit drugs (n=16; 59,3%; OR=2,69), used sedatives without a medical prescription (n=75; 54,0%; OR=2,94), lived in conflicting relationships (n=33; 54,1%;OR=2,14), lost their job during the pandemic (n=32; 59,3%; OR=1,99) and presented symptoms of anxiety related to COVID-19 (n=155; 45,2%; OR=3,91). Conclusion: there is a meaningful relationship between vulnerability and adopting risk behaviors during the pandemic-imposed social isolation with depressive symptoms. We suggest that health professionals be attentive to the need to adjust their psychosocial interventions when promoting strategies when promoting strategies to mitigate the effects and risks to mental health.

Barriers to and Facilitators of Mental Health Help-Seeking Behaviors Among South Asian American College Students

Despite the increasing size of the South Asian population in the United States, research on the mental health care wants and needs of this population is limited. The current study aimed to provide a better understanding of South Asian American college students' attitudes and behaviors with respect to professional help for psychological and mental health. Participants included 14 college students at a large central Texas university, aged at least 18 years and fluent in English, who identified ethnically as South Asian. Qualitative interviews held with participants included demographic questions. Five themes emerged from the interviews: Family Dynamics, Environment, University Resources, Access to Help, and Cultural Dynamics. High levels of mental illness, low levels of help-seeking, and unique identity interactions demonstrated a prevailing need for mental health support in South Asian American college students. Accessible mental health care in university settings can be a step toward providing appropriate mental health care for South Asian students most in need. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].

Religiosity, spirituality, and self-esteem in adolescents with cleft lip and palate: a correlational study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the correlation between religiosity, spirituality, and self-esteem in adolescents with uni- and bilateral cleft lip and palate.

METHOD

Correlational and cross-sectional study developed in a public and tertiary hospital in Brazil between July 2018 and February 2019. The sample comprised 100 adolescents divided into two groups: G1 (unilateral cleft, 50 participants) and G2 (bilateral cleft, 50 participants). For data collection, three instruments were used: Sociodemographic Questionnaire, DUREL Religion index, Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Statistical analysis was performed with the tests Chi-squared, Mann-Whitney, Pearson Correlation, and analysis of linear correlation strength, with a 5% significance level (p ≥ 0.05).

RESULTS

Only organizational religiosity was higher in G1 when compared with G2 (p = 0.03). The overall self-esteem was satisfactory for both groups; however, there was no significant difference between them (p = 0.34). No correlation between religiosity and spirituality with self-esteem were identified for G1 and G2.

CONCLUSION

The adolescents with uni- or bilateral cleft lip and palate presented high levels of religiosity, spirituality, and self-esteem. However, no correlation between these variables was identified.

Plasma protein expression profiles, cardiovascular disease, and religious struggles among South Asians in the MASALA study

Blood protein concentrations are clinically useful, predictive biomarkers of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite a higher burden of CVD among U.S. South Asians, no CVD-related proteomics study has been conducted in this sub-population. The aim of this study is to investigate the associations between plasma protein levels and CVD incidence, and to assess the potential influence of religiosity/spirituality (R/S) on significant protein-CVD associations, in South Asians from the MASALA Study. We used a nested case–control design of 50 participants with incident CVD and 50 sex- and age-matched controls. Plasma samples were analyzed by SOMAscan for expression of 1305 proteins. Multivariable logistic regression models and model selection using Akaike Information Criteria were performed on the proteins and clinical covariates, with further effect modification analyses conducted to assess the influence of R/S measures on significant associations between proteins and incident CVD events. We identified 36 proteins that were significantly expressed differentially among CVD cases compared to matched controls. These proteins are involved in immune cell recruitment, atherosclerosis, endothelial cell differentiation, and vascularization. A final multivariable model found three proteins (Contactin-5 [CNTN5], Low affinity immunoglobulin gamma Fc region receptor II-a [FCGR2A], and Complement factor B [CFB]) associated with incident CVD after adjustment for diabetes (AUC = 0.82). Religious struggles that exacerbate the adverse impact of stressful life events, significantly modified the effect of Contactin-5 and Complement factor B on risk of CVD. Our research is this first assessment of the relationship between protein concentrations and risk of CVD in a South Asian sample. Further research is needed to understand patterns of proteomic profiles across diverse ethnic communities, and the influence of resources for resiliency on proteomic signatures and ultimately, risk of CVD.