Exploring the Relationship Between Religion, Health, and Sociodemographic Factors in Brazil During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between religion, sociodemographic factors, and health in Alegre, Brazil, during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 694 individuals were interviewed, of whom 49.6% (n = 344) were Catholic, 36.5% (n = 253) Evangelical/Protestant, 7.5% (n = 52) non-religious, and 6.5% (n = 45) affiliated with other religions. Logistic regression revealed factors linked to Catholicism (older age, marriage, medical appointments) and Protestantism (older age, mixed race, outlying residence, marriage, alcohol abstinence). Non-religious individuals were younger and, along with Catholics, had higher alcohol consumption, which may harm health. Protestants exhibited greater COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. These results provide crucial insights into how religion intersects with public health during crises.