Effectiveness of Spiritual and Religious Interventions in Patients With Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective: This systematic reviewand meta-analysis aimed to combine the physiological, psychological, and spiritual health effects of spiritual and religious interventions on cardiovascular disease patients. Method: 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. Results: 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 wellbeing (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. Conclusion: 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.