Spirituality, religiosity and the mental health consequences of social isolation during Covid-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND: Evidence shows that religiosity and spirituality (R/S) are highly used in critical moments of life and that these beliefs are associated with clinical outcomes. However, further studies are needed to assess these beliefs during the COVID-19 pandemic. AIMS: To evaluate the use of R/S during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil and to investigate the association between R/S and the mental health consequences of social isolation. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted in May 2020. Online surveys were carried out assessing sociodemographics, R/S measures, and social isolation characteristics and mental health consequences (hopefulness, fear, worrying and sadness). Adjusted regression models were used. RESULTS: A total of 485 participants were included from all regions of Brazil. There was a high use of religious and spiritual beliefs during the pandemic and this use was associated with better mental health outcomes. Lower levels of worrying were associated with greater private religious activities (OR = 0.466, CI 95%: 0.307-0.706), religious attendance (OR = 0.587, CI 95%: 0.395-0.871), spiritual growth (OR = 0.667, CI 95%: 0.448-0.993) and with an increase in religious activities (OR = 0.660, CI 95%: 0.442-0.986); lower levels of fear were associated with greater private religious activities (OR = 0.632, CI 95%: 0.422-0.949) and spiritual growth (OR = 0.588, CI 95%: 0.392-0.882) and, lower levels of sadness (OR = 0.646, CI 95%: 0.418-0.997) were associated with spiritual growth. Finally, hope was associated with all R/S variables in different degrees (ranging from OR = 1.706 to 3.615). CONCLUSIONS: R/S seem to have an important role on the relief of suffering, having an influence on health outcomes and minimizing the consequences of social isolation. These results highlight the importance of public health measures that ensure the continuity of R/S activities during the pandemic and the training of healthcare professionals to address these issues.