Published online May 15, 2021. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v12.i5.630
Peer-review started: January 16, 2021
First decision: February 12, 2021
Revised: February 23, 2021
Accepted: March 25, 2021
Article in press: March 25, 2021
Published online: May 15, 2021
Processing time: 109 Days and 15.4 Hours
Management of diabetes constitutes significant social and economic burdens worldwide. There is a shortage of empirical studies on the management of diabetes and the associated mental health issues through spiritual beliefs and faith-based interventions (FBIs). It is not also clear how spiritual beliefs and FBIs account for the effective management of diabetic conditions. This article discusses the impact of spiritual beliefs and FBIs in the management of diabetes, from relationship and efficacy studies that report outcomes from experimental procedures of related interventions. The majority of the relationship studies showed positive relationships, while efficacy studies showed a high efficacy of interventions in faith-based approaches. However, none of the studies clearly reported the mechanisms of change or modality of operation in a FBI that can serve as a model across culture and context. Possible mechanisms of change were discussed for further development of a standard faith-based model, and finally, suggestions for future research were also highlighted by the authors.
Core Tip: Studies tend to show that spiritual beliefs are linked to the acceptance and management of diabetes conditions. Other studies show that faith-based interventions (FBIs) can be useful in diabetes management. However, there is an absence of studies showing the pathway to the positive impact of spiritual beliefs and FBIs on diabetes management. We explored the relationships and effects of spiritual beliefs and FBIs on diabetes management through literature review. Mechanisms of change and directions for further research were also discussed.