Association between religion, mental health and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the association of religiosity with behaviors and perceptions in the context of social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as mental health outcomes, in a university community in Central-West Brazil. A sample of 1,796 subjects responded to an online form with socio-demographic questions and the DASS-21 and PWBS scales. Religion was associated with the frequency of interactions, perceptions of the duration of the social distancing measures, changes in emotional state and history of psychological illness. The prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress was lower among people with religion and their scores in psychological well-being were higher.

摘要 本项横断面研究旨在分析巴西中西部某大学社区中，新冠疫情（COVID-19）期间社交距离防疫措施背景下，宗教虔诚性与民众行为、认知及心理健康结局的关联。研究共纳入1796名受试者，均完成了包含社会人口学问卷、DASS-21量表（抑郁焦虑压力量表21项版，Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21-item version）与PWBS量表（心理幸福感量表，Psychological Well-being Scale）的线上调查问卷。宗教信仰与人际互动频率、对社交距离措施持续时长的认知、情绪状态变化及既往心理疾病史存在关联。有宗教信仰人群的抑郁、焦虑及压力症状患病率更低，且其心理幸福感量表得分更高。