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).
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This study was supported by a Foundation BIAL Grant for Scientific Research [Grant Number 188/18]; AFV was supported by a Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, IP (FCT) Post-doctoral grant [Grant Number SFRH/BPD/121452/2016], and is supported by a FCT Scientific Employment Stimulus contract under the 2021 Institutional Call to Scientific Employment Stimulus - 2nd Edition [reference CEECINST/00070/2021; internal reference, Edict/Public notification number Edital/0030/2022].
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AFV is the principal investigator, obtained funding, conceived the study idea, and together with MJ, MPJ and MD developed the design of the study. IQG, FP, RC, and JPR contributed to the review of the review design. AFV performed the literature searches. MJ and IQG screened the identified studies to determine eligibility and performed data extraction and methodological quality assessment. AFV acted as third senior reviewer to settle disagreements regarding eligibility, data extraction and methodological quality assessment. MJ and AFV performed the analysis and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. MPJ, MD, IQG, JPR, RC, and FP critically reviewed the manuscript. All authors approved the final version.
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AFV has received a Grant from Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, IP (FCT) (grant number SFRH/BPD/121452/2016), and is supported by a FCT Scientific Employment Stimulus contract under the 2021 Institutional Call to Scientific Employment Stimulus - 2nd Edition (reference CEECINST/00070/2021; internal reference, Edict/Public notification number Edital/0030/2022). The remaining authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to declare associated with this manuscript.
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Jarego, M., Ferreira-Valente, A., Queiroz-Garcia, I. et al. Are Prayer-Based Interventions Effective Pain Management Options? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Relig Health 62, 1780–1809 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-022-01709-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-022-01709-z