1
|
Khalid A, Qaisar R, Ahmad F, Hussain MA, Karim A. Time-related changes in the knowledge of HIV/AIDS among followers of various religions in India. F1000Res 2023; 12:460. [PMID: 38021402 PMCID: PMC10682603 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.133585.2] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The public knowledge levels about Human Immunodeficiency-Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) have been assessed in previous studies; however, time-related trends in association with socio-demographic standards among the followers of major religions in India are not known. Objectives We assessed the 2005-06, 2015-16, and 2019-21 demographic and health survey (DHS) data from India to investigate trends in the levels of knowledge of HIV/AIDS among Hindus, Muslims, and Christians in relation to standard socio-demographic variables over a period of 16 years. Methods The age range of the population was 15-54 years (n=611,821). The HIV/AIDS-related knowledge was assessed by developing a composite index based on ten questions about several aspects of HIV/AIDS, such as the mode of spread. We applied Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests to investigate whether people had heard about HIV/AIDS and their overall HIV knowledge in relation to several socio-demographic standards. Results Generally, a higher increase in knowledge level was found between the first and second DHS surveys (2006-2016) as compared to between the second and third DHS surveys (2016-2021). We found the highest increase in the level of HIV/AIDS knowledge among Christian women followed by Hindus, whereas Muslims had the least increase over 16 years. Being a female, uneducated, poor, previously married, or having rural residence were associated with the highest increase in the knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Conclusion Christian women had the highest increase in HIV/AIDS-related knowledge then came Christian men and followers of other religions. We also found the highest increase in HIV/AIDS-related knowledge among the poorest, uneducated, and rural residents. Our findings may help formulate public health strategies targeting various less knowledgeable groups to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amna Khalid
- Health Promotion Research Group, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rizwan Qaisar
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Firdos Ahmad
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, 59911, United Arab Emirates
| | - M. Azhar Hussain
- Department of Finance and Economics, College of Business Administration, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Social Sciences and Business, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Region Zealand, DK-4000, Denmark
| | - Asima Karim
- Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Iron Biology Research Group, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hawthorne WJ, Thomas A, Pierson RN. Ethics and Theoretical Issues in Kidney Xenotransplantation. Semin Nephrol 2022; 42:151288. [PMID: 36587995 DOI: 10.1016/j.semnephrol.2022.151288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Xenotransplantation has seen recent global interest peak as a result of several clinical xenotransplants being performed in decedents and a live cardiac recipient. However, underpinning these latest transplants have been decades of invested scientific research programs that have been developing the ideal donor source animals to avoid the overwhelming hyperacute xenograft rejection seen using nongenetically modified animal organs, tissues, and cells. However, this also needs to be undertaken along with the development of safe and efficacious xenotransplantation technologies, immunosuppression, monitoring, disease screening, patient selection, societal education, and acceptance. Paralleling the advent of such extraordinary transplants have been several decades of establishment of world xenotransplantation authorities such as the International Xenotransplantation Association, and the development of guidance documents and regulations for the assessment of these cutting-edge technologies. Similar to all new technologies there remain outdated concerns and fears of the theoretical potential for transmission of xenozoonosis, ethical concerns, and outdated or appropriately educated societal concerns and religious views of the benefits or risks and issues for xenotransplantation use of organs, tissues, or cells from animals to human beings. Here, we discuss the development of xenotransplantation and the intricate balance in managing the various challenges with which we are faced: in the absolute benefits of xenotransplantation and the dichotomy in balancing the pros and cons of xenotransplantation with social, religious, ethical, scientific, and medical opinions. Ultimately, the benefits are to those patients suffering from the many and various diseases that drive the need for xenotransplantation. The hope is that it will be implemented as soon as possible to help the many millions of patients who can truly benefit.
Collapse
|
3
|
Ting RSK, Aw Yong YY, Tan MM, Yap CK. Cultural Responses to Covid-19 Pandemic: Religions, Illness Perception, and Perceived Stress. Front Psychol 2021; 12:634863. [PMID: 34421700 PMCID: PMC8375556 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.634863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Many psychological researchers have proven the deteriorating effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic on public mental health. In Malaysia, various Covid-19 clusters were associated with religious gatherings. From a cultural psychology perspective, how ethno-religious groups respond to this crisis originating from their unique rationality and ecological systems. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the illness perceptions of major religious groups (Christian, Muslim, and Buddhist) in Malaysia toward the Covid-19 pandemic, their stress levels, and the relationship between illness perception, stress, and forms of religious expression during the lockdown period. Through an online survey method, 608 Malaysian religious believers were included in this mixed-method empirical study, which adapted standardized instruments [Duke University Religion Index (DUREL), Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)]. Statistical analysis showed that all three groups reported moderate levels of stress in average without any significant difference after controlling for age. Both internal and external forms of religious expression had a significant negative relationship with stress levels. Personal control, comprehension, and emotions domains of illness perception accounted for a significant variance in the stress level. Furthermore, religious expression significantly moderated the relationship between some illness perception domains and stress. Qualitative coding revealed that most participants perceived human behavior and attitudes, sociopolitical, and sociological factors as causal factors to the current pandemic. These findings confirmed the relationship between religious expression, illness belief, and stress regulation during the pandemic lockdown. Incidental findings of age as a potential protective factor for Malaysian believers warrants further study. In the conclusion, implications for public health policymakers and religious communities on pandemic prevention and well-being promotion were discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Sing-Kiat Ting
- Department of Psychology, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Yue-Yun Aw Yong
- Department of Psychology, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Min-Min Tan
- South East Asia Community Observatory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Segamat, Malaysia
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nassif RN. Cannabis Use in Muslim Youth. Cureus 2021; 13:e15615. [PMID: 34277233 PMCID: PMC8275182 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.15615] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is the most used illicit drug in the world. It causes impaired executive functioning, psychosis, and schizophrenia, among other impairments. It also affects reaction time, awareness, and motivation. These side effects can lead to decreased academic performance as well as social setbacks. Variance in the interpretation of whether cannabis is forbidden fuels the ongoing debate on the religious stance of cannabis use among Muslim communities across the globe. Stigma is the biggest barrier for open discussion about cannabis usage and also acts as a barrier to the implementation of harm-reductive programs in the Islamic world. There is clear evidence that due to stigma, religious beliefs, and social factors, Muslim youth are at a higher risk than their adult counterparts and that they feel unable to seek help with regard to cannabis and other drug abuse. By reviewing studies on the harmful effects of cannabis use and comparing them against notions of what is considered forbidden in the Islamic tradition and other communities, this paper explores the best ways to reduce harm from cannabis usage in the global Muslim community.
Collapse
|
5
|
Chouraqui JP, Turck D, Briend A, Darmaun D, Bocquet A, Feillet F, Frelut ML, Girardet JP, Guimber D, Hankard R, Lapillonne A, Peretti N, Roze JC, Siméoni U, Dupont C. Religious dietary rules and their potential nutritional and health consequences. Int J Epidemiol 2021; 50:12-26. [PMID: 33207368 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyaa182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vast majority of the world population declares affiliation to a religion, predominantly Christianity and Islam. Many religions have special dietary rules, which may be more or less strictly adhered to. METHODS Religious food rules were collected from holy books and religious websites as well as their translation into dietary practices. The literature was searched for potential associations between these rules and potential nutritional consequences. RESULTS Jewish, Islamic and Indian religions support prolonged breastfeeding. Religious avoidance of alcohol is probably beneficial to health. When strictly applied, a few rules may lead to nutritional inadequacies, mainly in populations living in unfavourable socio-economic or environmental conditions. In Jewish and Muslim observants, animal slaughtering procedures may increase the risk of iron deficiency. Jews may be at risk of excess sodium intake related to home-prepared foods. A vegan diet, as observed by some believers, often by drifting from original precepts, or by some Hindus or Buddhists, may result in vitamin B12, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium and n-3 fatty acids deficiencies. CONCLUSION When implemented in accordance with the rules, most religious food precepts are not detrimental to health, as suggested by the fact that they have more or less been followed for millennia. Nevertheless, some practices may lead to nutritional inadequacies, such as iron, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies. Patients with low socio-economic status, children and women of childbearing age are of particular risk of such deficiencies. Being aware of them should help health professionals to take an individualized approach to decide whether to supplement or not.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre Chouraqui
- Pediatric Nutrition and Gastroenterology Unit, Division of Pediatrics, Woman, Mother and Child Department, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Turck
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Lille University Jeanne de Flandre Children's Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Lille; INFINITE-INSERM U1286, Lille, France
| | - André Briend
- Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement, Marseille, France
| | | | - Alain Bocquet
- French Association of Ambulatory Paediatrics, Orléans, France
| | | | | | - Jean-Philippe Girardet
- Cabinet de Pédiatrie, 81000 Albi, Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, University 75005, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Guimber
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Lille University Jeanne de Flandre Children's Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | | | - Alexandre Lapillonne
- Paris Descartes University, APHP Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Paris, France and CNRC, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Noel Peretti
- Pediatric Nutrition, University Pediatric Hospital of Lyon and INSERM U1060, CarMeN laboratory, Claude Bernard Lyon-1 University, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Roze
- Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Univesity Hospital of Nantes and UMR 1280 INRA, Nantes University, France
| | - Umberto Siméoni
- Division of Pediatrics and DOHaD Lab, Woman, Mother and Child Department, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Dupont
- Pediatric Gastroenterology Department, Necker Enfants-Malades Hospital, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | | |
Collapse
|