How did the Covid-19 pandemic change religious practices and quality of life among Pakistani and Latvians?

Abstract

Psychological distress and loneliness were stigmatized high during COVID-19. After the
pandemic breakout, many people faced anxiety, depression, and fear of contracting the coronavirus.
Moreover, the lockdown, closure of businesses, and restricted social gatherings further created psychological distress among people. This research examines the effects of COVID-19 on people’s quality
of life and religiosity level between Pakistanis (Muslim) and Latvians (Christian). The study investigates the effects of COVID-19 on quality-of-life measures including social belonging, social connectedness, loneliness, and personal beliefs. In addition, the study analyses how COVID-19 has affected
people’s religious beliefs and religious practices. Online customer survey forms were used to collect
data from Pakistan and Latvia with a total sample size of 60. The Chi-Square test of independence
and regression modeling was used to test the research hypothesis. The ANOVA test shows that
religious beliefs are a significant predictor of religious practice, whereas COVID-19 did not change
the religiosity of people surveyed in both countries. Results also prove that personal beliefs are also
significant predictors of religious practice. Regression results indicate social belonging is the only
significant predictor of personal beliefs, whereas social contentedness and loneliness have no association with personal beliefs. Finally, study results show a positive relationship between psychological
distress and religiosity. However, no difference was found between males and females concerning
psychological distress and religiosity. Religious education plays a significant role in coping with
psychological distress.