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Niazi AG, Ahmed N, Kifayat S, Kifayat S, Niazi MA, Khan MS. Urban Churches Show an Increase in Attendance, Donations, and Finances During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the USA: Evidence from the United Methodist Church. J Relig Health 2024:10.1007/s10943-024-02046-z. [PMID: 38709431 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-024-02046-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on religion and its practice. This paper aims to examine how the pandemic affects religious activities, donations, and finances over time and across regions within the United Methodist Church (UMC) in the USA. To address this question, we analyze survey data collected during the pandemic from 2963 churches in the USA by United Methodist Communications. Our analysis utilizes several quantitative techniques, including Z-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multinomial logistic regressions. The results indicate a decrease in church attendance over time, with a more pronounced effect observed in non-urban areas (suburban, small town, and rural). Similarly, while church donations and finances mitigate over time across churches, churches in urban areas experience a quicker rebound compared to those in non-urban areas. Lastly, we find that church attendance and donations positively affect finances. These findings hold important implications for churches in various regions, offering insights to develop strategies for navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anum G Niazi
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Shandana Kifayat
- Khyber Teaching Hospital, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Muhammad Salar Khan
- Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA.
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Kusoom W, Krongyuth S. Lived Experiences Among Critically Ill and Near-Death Survivors Relating to the COVID-19 Infection: A Phenomenological Study. J Transcult Nurs 2024; 35:199-206. [PMID: 38356269 DOI: 10.1177/10436596241229487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in severe illnesses worldwide. Around 655.5 million cases were having been confirmed, including 6.6 million deaths. The extreme cases experienced near death in the intensive care unit (ICU). This study explored the survivors' experience of being near death while critically ill with the infection. METHODOLOGY A descriptive phenomenological study was employed. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 14 participants from Northeastern Thailand. Content analysis was applied by using Creswell's strategy. RESULTS Four themes emerged: (a) anxiety and fear of dying alone, (b) environmental chaos, (c) using Thai Buddhist teaching in coping, and (d) returning from the brink of death. Moreover, the patients felt great gratitude and were grateful to the health care team. DISCUSSION Traumas experienced by patients in the ICU included physical and psychological distress, coping strategies, and an understanding of cultural awareness. CONCLUSION Psychological and culturally congruent care should be implemented for patients in the ICU.
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Stelcer B, Bendowska A, Karkowska D, Baum E. Supporting elderly patients in strengthening their personal and spiritual health resources. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1237138. [PMID: 38023038 PMCID: PMC10667473 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1237138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Care for the sick, including spiritual support is sometimes called holistic medicine. The term bio-psycho-social-spiritual model is sometimes used to describe this type of therapeutic approach patient-oriented medicine. This report indicates the importance of taking into account the spiritual aspect of life due to its beneficial impact on the coping resources activated and the patient's well-being. Existential and spiritual issues are on the verge of new clinical and research interest in medicine, especially in gerontology, oncology, and palliative care. Clinicians focus not only on symptom control but also on spiritual and existential issues such as spirituality, hope, and meaning. This paper reviews the topic of spirituality in the context of illness and end-of-life care trying to define spirituality within the context of health resources of the subject. Spirituality is perceived in two of its main components: faith/religious beliefs and spiritual well-being. Especially this second construct is reviewed and described as a health resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogusław Stelcer
- Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Bendowska
- Department of Social Sciences and the Humanities, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Dorota Karkowska
- Institute of Nursing and Midwifery, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Kraków, Poland
| | - Ewa Baum
- Department of Social Sciences and the Humanities, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Tarip I, Ashari Z. Whole-of-Nation Moral Learning by Spiritual Hearts: A Case of Brunei's Transformation to tackle the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Relig Health 2023; 62:1431-1448. [PMID: 36781829 PMCID: PMC9924850 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01758-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
All nations are continuously learning how best to live with the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing organizational moral learning and Islamic spirituality perspectives, this paper proposes a learning framework called the whole-of-nation moral learning by spiritual hearts to understand the dynamics of learning and change in a nation tackling the pandemic. It proposes that to overcome the pandemic or any other crises, governance requires the combination of moral leadership and followership by spiritual hearts as agents for moral learning and change, supported by realigned and reconfigured systems for holistic growth. Brunei's journey in tackling the pandemic illustrates the framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iznan Tarip
- Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Tungku Link Road, Gadong, BE1410 Brunei Darussalam
| | - Zuraihi Ashari
- Defence Academy, Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Mentiri, Brunei Darussalam
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Wrigley-Carr R. Reservoir or canal: Spiritual retreats for chaplains caring for people with dementia. Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/15528030.2023.2178594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Wrigley-Carr
- Spiritual Care and Program Director in Spiritual Care, the University of Divinity, Kew, Victoria, Australia
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Ziółkowska-Weiss K. The Polish Catholic Church in Martin Coronado, Buenos Aires, and its Role in the Life of the Argentinian Polish Community during the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Relig Health 2023; 62:585-607. [PMID: 36482139 PMCID: PMC9734906 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-022-01701-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the article is to determine the role of the Catholic Church in the life of the Polish community in Argentina as exemplified by the Polish Catholic Centre in Martin Coronado during the pandemic caused by the SARS-Cov-2 coronavirus. The article presents opinions of the Polish community in Buenos Aires concerning the priestly service of the Bernardine friars during the pandemic. The research confirms that the Argentinian Polish community evaluates the work of the clergymen very highly and emphasises that thanks to their support, peace and constant contact through, inter alia, introduction of the broadcast of the masses in the Polish language, they felt the care and support of the priests, which was necessary during social isolation. The article will also present a proposal of the model of activities that Polish priests from Martin Coronado can implement during the COVID-19 pandemic so that the faithful feel even greater support and closeness to the Polish missionary centre in Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Ziółkowska-Weiss
- Institute of Geography, Department of Tourism and Regional Studies, Pedagogical University of Krakow, Ul. Podchorążych 2 (Room 537), 30-084, Kraków, Poland.
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Domaradzki J. Hospital chaplains facing the pandemic. A qualitative study. J Health Care Chaplain 2023; 29:145-160. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1080/08854726.2022.2043680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Domaradzki
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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de Diego-Cordero R, Ávila-Mantilla A, Vega-Escaño J, Lucchetti G, Badanta B. The Role of Spirituality and Religiosity in Healthcare During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Integrative Review of the Scientific Literature. J Relig Health 2022; 61:2168-2197. [PMID: 35348988 PMCID: PMC8960681 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-022-01549-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The pandemic caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has been affecting populations globally since the end of 2019. Previous studies have indicated that spirituality in these times of crisis serves as a source of hope and well-being that helps people get through the day. This study investigated the role of spirituality and religiosity in healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. An integrative review of the scientific literature available on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases and a review of the gray literature in the Information System on Gray Literature in Europe (OpenGrey) were carried out. From a total of 1,338 articles searched; 25 articles were included in this review (22 quantitative observational, 2 qualitative and one randomized controlled trial). Our findings revealed the importance of including spirituality in clinical practice for both health professionals and patients. On the one hand, spirituality can be considered a good coping strategy used by healthcare professionals to promote mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting in greater patient satisfaction with the care given. On the other hand, addressing spiritual needs of individuals leads to a reduction in stress, anxiety, depression, and an increase in resilience and hope among patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío de Diego-Cordero
- Research Group PAIDI-CTS 969 Innovation in HealthCare and Social Determinants of Health, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Amanda Ávila-Mantilla
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Juan Vega-Escaño
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University of Seville, c/Avenzoar, 6, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Giancarlo Lucchetti
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Badanta
- Research Group PAIDI-CTS 1050 Complex Care, Chronicity and Health Outcomes, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
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Mróz F, Roszak P. The Ministry of Religious Congregations to People Affected by the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus in Poland: Geographies of Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Relig Health 2022; 61:2279-2301. [PMID: 35484437 PMCID: PMC9048614 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-022-01570-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this article is to analyze the empirical evidence collected in the form of in-depth interviews, observations, statistics and accounts concerning the assistance provided by female and male religious congregations in the fight against the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland during the first year after the outbreak (March 2020 to February 2021). The paper describes the nature of the assistance rendered by religious congregations to the sick, to those affected by the pandemic and to healthcare facilities during the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in Poland. Our findings reveal that the activities undertaken and the support provided by religious congregations in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland have spanned many areas: medical assistance and nursing within the healthcare system, charitable work (including material, financial and welfare/housing aid), and pastoral, religious, educational, psychological, ecumenical, evangelization and missionary activities. The support provided by religious congregations as part of the coronavirus response efforts proved crucial and invaluable during the first weeks of the pandemic, that is in March and April 2020, when the healthcare system was faced with severe staff shortages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franciszek Mróz
- Department of Tourism and Regional Studies, Institute of Geography, Pedagogical University of Krakow, ul. Podchorążych 2 (room 526), 30-084 Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Roszak
- Faculty of Theology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Ul. Gagarina 37, 87-100, Toruń, Poland
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Marcinowicz L, Fejfer-Wirbal E, Taranta E, Chlabicz S, Terlikowski SJ. Experiences and Expectations of Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19: A Qualitative Study in Poland. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:2992. [PMID: 35270684 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many new problems and challenges for medical personnel, patients and their families. The present study aimed to learn the difficulties and expectations of patients hospitalized for COVID-19. A descriptive qualitative research approach was adopted, and the study was carried out using semi-structured telephone interviews with 20 patients according to Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines. Two main themes were extracted from the experiences related by patients hospitalized for COVID-19: difficulties resulting from their poor health condition and difficulties resulting from hospital conditions and safety protocols. The patients' expectations referred to professionalism and family members' support. From the patient's perspective, a sense of humor in the care provider is important, apart from professionalism and the effectiveness of treatment, because humor helps the patient endure difficult situations. The findings indicate that patients hospitalized for COVID-19 experienced both positive and negative emotions. Their negative experiences concerned organizational barriers and medical personnel shortages, especially of clinical nurses. Patients' expectations are realistic and appropriate to the situation they are in. Learning the difficulties and expectations of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 may help care providers cope with this disease more effectively and ensure better care for patients, including nursing and psychological services.
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