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03-12-2022 | ORIGINAL PAPER

Are Prayer-Based Interventions Effective Pain Management Options? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Authors: Margarida Jarego, Alexandra Ferreira-Valente, Inês Queiroz-Garcia, Melissa A. Day, José Pais-Ribeiro, Rui M. Costa, Filipa Pimenta, Mark P. Jensen

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 3/2023

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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Title: Are Prayer-Based Interventions Effective Pain Management Options? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Margarida Jarego
Alexandra Ferreira-Valente
Inês Queiroz-Garcia
Melissa A. Day
José Pais-Ribeiro
Rui M. Costa
Filipa Pimenta
Mark P. Jensen
Publication date: 03-12-2022
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 3/2023
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-022-01709-z

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Are Prayer-Based Interventions Effective Pain Management Options? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

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