Religion and public health: conceptualization and collaboration from a public health perspective

Abstract Background Religion and public health, when understood in their broadest sense, are systems of knowledge and practice that seek to improve the wellbeing of people and populations. With over 75.8% of the global population identifying with some form of religious belief, understanding how the public health community conceptualizes religion and engages with it is essential for meaningful collaboration. The purpose of this study is to explore the conceptualizations of and relationships between religion and public health, focusing on public health practitioners’ experiences in engaging with religious communities. Methods This qualitative study involved interviews with 15 North American public health practitioners across diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds, examining their perspectives on religion’s role in health interventions, with a particular focus on the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Using a framework analysis, three key thematic areas emerged, including: (1) Co