An increasing cancer incidence affecting any age and social class is putting serious strain on populations and health care systems around the world. This systematic literature search aims (i) to examine the correlation of heart rate variability (HRV) and cancer patients' prognosis, (ii) to examine the relationship of HRV and clinicopathological features, and (iii) to compare HRV between different patient groups, and between patient and control groups. We conducted a systematic literature review following the PRISMA Statement. We searched the PubMed and EMBASE databases for publications released by December 2017. The search terms were: "cancer" AND "heart rate variability" AND "human" NOT "animal" NOT "review." A total of 19 studies were finally included in this review. Most publications were high-quality observational studies. The studies showed that higher HRV correlated positively with patients' progression of disease and outcome. Thus, we conclude that individuals with higher HRV and advanced coping mechanisms seem to have a better prognosis in cancer progression. HRV appears to be a useful aspect to access the general health status of cancer patients.

IntroductionReligious/spiritual convictions and practices can influence health- and treatment-seeking behavior, but only few measures of religiousness or spirituality have been validated and used outside of the US. The Religious and Spiritual Struggles scale (RSS) measures internal and external conflict with religion and spirituality and has been validated mainly in different high-income contexts. The aim of this study was the validation of the RSS in the Zimbabwean context and among young people living with human immunodeficiency virus (YPLHIV) aged 14–24.MethodsData collection with an Open Data Kit (ODK) questionnaire with 804 respondents took place in 2021. The validation was performed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), using statistical equation modeling (SEM), and Mokken scale analysis (MSA). After the low confirmability of the original scale sub-dimensions exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was applied.ResultsThe EFA resulted in four new sub-domains that were different from the original six domains in the RSS but culturally more relevant. The new sub-domains are significantly related to health.DiscussionThe findings support the validity and relevance of the RSS and the new sub-domains in this context. As our study was limited to YPLHIV, further validation of the RSS among different population groups and contexts in the sub-Saharan region is encouraged.

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IntroductionThe role of religion and spirituality as social determinants of health has been widely discussed. Studies among people living with HIV describe positive and negative influences of religion and spirituality on health outcomes. With a HIV prevalence of 14.8% for females and 8.6% for males, and 22 000 AIDS-related deaths in 2020, HIV infection remains a life-threatening condition in Zimbabwe, especially in young people. The aim of this research was to measure the influence of religion and spirituality on the health outcomes of young people living with HIV in Zimbabwe.MethodsA quantitative questionnaire with three different validated measures of religion and spirituality (Belief into Action Scale, Brief Religious Coping Index, Religious and Spiritual Struggles Scale), demographic, cultural, behavioural and health questions was administered to 804 young Zvandiri programme clients in rural, urban and peri-urban Zimbabwe between July and October 2021. Regression analysis established significant relations between the result of the three different measures and mental health and viral load results.ResultsReligious coping significantly reduced the probability of common mental disorder, while high religious activity increased the risk. The Religious and Spiritual Struggles Scale proved to be a reliable indicator of higher viral loads, risk for treatment failure and the probability of common mental disorder.ConclusionsAll three measures of religion and spirituality related to health outcomes. More research is needed to generalise and further explore these findings. Because the Religious and Spiritual Struggles Scale was a strong indicator for both, higher viral loads and common mental disorder, we suggest that it should be used and validated in other sub-Saharan contexts. It could serve as a new diagnostic tool for the early detection and prevention of treatment failure as well as of common mental disorder.

Introduction: The role of religion and spirituality as social determinants of health have been widely discussed in and outside the World Health Organization. Studies among people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) describe positive and negative influences of religion and spirituality on health outcome. With a HIV prevalence of 14.8% for females and 8.6% for males, and 22000 Aids related deaths in 2020, HIV infection remains a life-threatening condition in Zimbabwe, especially for young people. The aim of this research was to measure the influence of religion and spirituality on the health outcome of young people living with HIV in Zimbabwe. Methods: A quantitative questionnaire with three different validated measures of religion and spirituality (Belief in Action Scale, Brief Religious Coping Index, Religious and Spiritual Struggles Scale), demographic, cultural, behavioral, and health questions was administered to 804 young Zvandiri program clients in rural, urban, and peri-urban Zimbabwe between July and October 2021. Regression analysis established significant relations between the result of the three different measures and mental health and viral load results. Results: Religious coping significantly reduced the probability of common mental disorder, while high religious activity increased the risk. The Religious and Spiritual Struggles scale proved to be a reliable indicator of higher viral loads, risk for treatment failure, and the probability of common mental disorder. Conclusions: The Religious and Spiritual Struggles scale should be used and validated in other sub-Saharan contexts. It could serve as a new diagnostic tool for the early detection and prevention of treatment failure as well as of common mental disorder.