Quantitative and Qualitative Research in the Field of 'Spirituality and Health': An Introductory How-to-Guide from a Brazilian Perspective.

The present article aims to describe the different steps on how to design, develop and conduct quantitative and qualitative Spirituality and Health (S/H) studies from a Brazilian perspective, discussing definitions and instruments, and proposing a "how-to guide" for those interested in this field of research. A narrative review of the literature has been conducted by experts in the field of S/H aiming to develop a "how-to-guide". Spirituality is a very complex concept that has several challenges in the current scientific literature, including the lack of consensus in the definitions, the numerous dimensions assessed, the diverse instruments for measurement, the criticisms from other scholars, the great diversity of religious and cultural traditions and the growing number of "spiritual but not religious" individuals.

The current status of "spirituality and health" teaching in Brazilian medical schools: a nationwide survey.

Background: Recent data on the teaching of "spirituality and health" (S/H) in medical schools are needed. In this study, we aimed to investigate the current status of S/H teaching in Brazilian medical schools, the opinions of medical directors/deans on this topic and the factors associated with its incorporation into the curriculum.

Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional survey was carried out in 2021.

Spirituality, religiosity and the mental health consequences of social isolation during Covid-19 pandemic.

Background: Evidence shows that religiosity and spirituality (R/S) are highly used in critical moments of life and that these beliefs are associated with clinical outcomes. However, further studies are needed to assess these beliefs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aims: To evaluate the use of R/S during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil and to investigate the association between R/S and the mental health consequences of social isolation.

Copaifera malmei Harms leaves infusion attenuates TNBS-ulcerative colitis through modulation of cytokines, oxidative stress and mucus in experimental rats.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Ethnobotanical studies show that the infusion of the leaves from Copaifera malmei Harms (Fabaceae) has been utilized in the Brazilian traditional medicine to treat provocative and gastrointestinal diseases, among others. Recently, our research team has shown that an infusion extract of the leaves of C. malmei has a strong antiulcer activity and its oral use gives no indications of toxicity.

Sorocea guilleminiana Gaudich.: Wound healing activity, action mechanisms, and chemical characterization of the leaf infusion.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Sorocea guilleminina Gaudich. is a tree or shrub endemic to Brazil. Its leaves are used in Brazilian folk medicine for the healing of wounds, stomach problems, inflammation and as diuretic.