Chronic diseases and religiosity/spirituality during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Religiosity and spirituality have been studied as resources for coping with crisis and social disruption. This study investigates religiosity/spirituality as a potential protective resource against the emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in individuals diagnosed with malignant and non-malignant chronic diseases. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive-exploratory study, with a quanti-qualitative approach. The convenience sample was composed of 78 individuals, divided into two groups. An online form was used. The data from the close-ended questions were tabulated using descriptive statistics. The content of the open-ended questions was examined qualitatively by thematic analysis. The two groups showed signs of emotional distress at similar levels and expressed increased faith and belief that future gains should come from the current distress. Individuals with life-threatening diseases expressed intensified spirituality. Faith was highlighted by participants as a resource to face the challenges of this dramatic period and should be valued by health care teams.

Changing face-to-face psychological care to remote mode: facilitators and obstacles in the COVID-19 pandemic

“…It was evident that, for most psychologists, offering of practices and knowledge is in process (32) and undergraduate courses must consider this new reality in order to also resize their training proposals in view of the new needs.…”

Cambio de la atención psicológica presencial a modalidad remota: facilitadores y obstáculos en la pandemia de COVID-19

“…Se considera entonces, a partir de los resultados obtenidos, que las reverberaciones producidas por la pandemia provocaron la necesidad de actualizaciones y reconfiguraciones del ejercicio profesional que no se dieron de manera única o inmediata. El reposicionamiento de prácticas y saberes está en proceso (32) y las carreras de grado deben considerar esta nueva realidad para redimensionar también sus propuestas formativas frente a las nuevas necesidades.…”