Christianity, Family, Students, and COVID-19

Abstract

Four substantial topics are explored in this issue of the Journal of Religion and Health , namely: (1) Christianity, (2) family and faith dynamics, (3) the spiritual and religious experiences of students from Islamic, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, and Jewish perspectives, and lastly, (4) the lingering effects of COVID-19. This issue also notes the diamond jubilee—60th year—of JORH (2021).

Medical Practice, the Church and COVID-19

“…As a further extension of previous issues of JORH (which considered 'Christianity';JORH 2021a ;JORH 2021b;and the 'Clergy' JORH, 2023), this issue also considers diverse topics relating to the church, its clergy, and faithful constituents. This section commences with exploring research relating to the church as an institution, namely: (i) the perspectives of people with disabilities; (ii) facilitators and barriers when conducting adult health programs within the African American church; (iii) the role of the church in promoting environmental awareness toward better health-related quality of life; (iv) an examination of culturally relevant health messages in African American churches; (v) spirituality as a key component of the Salvation Army's bridge treatment program in Aotearoa, New Zealand; (vi) the moderating role of church affirmation in the relationship between weight-rejection sensitivity and body dissatisfaction in young adults in the USA; and (vii) dyadic peer support to improve diet and physical activity among African American church members.…”

Nursing, Diabetes, Hemodialysis and COVID-19

“…A previous issue and editorial of JORH (2021; 60:2) considered the work of nurses in health care, noting their substantial contribution to the bio-psycho-social-spiritual care of patients, as well as the rapport, trust and respect that patients have toward nurses (Carey et al, 2021 , p. 2). This issue continues that recognition by drawing together research relating to nurses in the USA, Spain, Greece, Iran and most notably Turkey.…”

A Bibliometric Analysis of the Journal of Religion and Health: Sixty Years of Publication (1961–2021)

“…The Journal of Religion and Health (hereafter: JORH ) briefly noted its 60th jubilee year in 2021 during the devasting COVID-19 pandemic (Carey et al, 2021a , p. 3753). Like many celebrations around the world during COVID-19, events were either restricted, cancelled and/or put ‘on hold’ for a later time.…”