Effectiveness of spiritual and religious interventions in patients with cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to combine the physiological, psychological, and spiritual health effects of spiritual and religious interventions on cardiovascular disease patients. Studies from January 1999 to December 2022 were sourced from ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, and cumulative index to nursing and allied health literature databases. This meta-analysis adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Data were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 4. Heterogeneity was assessed using 95% confidence intervals (CIs), p values, and fixed or random-effects models. This systematic review included 15 studies with 2,047 participants, while the meta-analysis focused on 12 studies. Spiritual and religion-based interventions notably reduced participants' heart rate (g = -0.287, 95% CI = [-0.552, -0.021]), anxiety (g = -1.081, 95% CI [-1.364, -0.831]), and depression (g = -1.346, 95% CI [-1.965, -0.726]). Moreover, these interventions significantly enhanced spiritual well-being (g = 0.692, 95% CI [0.459, 0.926]) and hope levels (g = 1.152, 95% CI [0.347, 1.956]) compared to control groups. This meta-analysis flashes on utilizing spiritual and religion-based interventions for nurses, chaplains, psychologists, social workers, and other professionals who might lead patient care to enhance health outcomes for cardiac patients. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).