Scientific journal paper Q1
Are prayer-based interventions effective pain management options? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Margarida Jarego (Jarego, M.); Alexandra Ferreira Valente (Ferreira-Valente, A.); Queiroz-Garcia, Ines (Queiroz-Garcia, I.); Melissa A. Day (Day, Melissa A.); José Pais-Ribeiro (Pais-Ribeiro, J.); Rui M. Costa (Costa, R. M.); Filipa Pimenta (Pimenta, F.); Mark P. Jensen (Jensen, M. P.); et al.
Journal Title
Journal of Religion and Health
Year (definitive publication)
2023
Language
English
Country
Netherlands
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Abstract
This review examined the effects of private and communal participatory prayer on pain. Nine databases were searched. Six randomized controlled trials were included. For private prayer, medium to large effects emerged for 67% to 69% of between-group comparisons; participants in the prayer condition reported lower pain intensity (0.59 < d < 26.17; 4 studies) and higher pain tolerance (0.70 < d < 1.05; 1 study). Pre- to post-intervention comparisons yielded medium to large effects (0.76 < d < 1.67; 2 studies); pain intensity decreased. Although firm conclusions cannot be made because meta-analysis was based on only two studies, the analysis suggested prayer might reduce pain intensity (SMD = − 2.63, 95% CI [− 3.11, − 2.14], I = 0%). (PROSPERO: CRD42020221733).
Acknowledgements
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Keywords
Systematic review,Meta-analysis,Prayer-based intervention,Pain,Pain outcomes
  • Clinical Medicine - Medical and Health Sciences
  • Health Sciences - Medical and Health Sciences
  • Other Medical Sciences - Medical and Health Sciences
  • Philosophy, Ethics and Religion - Humanities
Funding Records
Funding Reference Funding Entity
188/18 Foundation BIAL
SFRH/BPD/121452/2016 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
CEECINST/00070/2021 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

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