Religious belief and self- perception of discrimination among university students in five Latin American countries

Abstract

Objective: Discrimination can manifest itself due to various factors, among which religious beliefs stand out. This research aims to determine if an association exists between religious beliefs and self-perceived discrimination among university students in five Latin American countries. Material and Methods: A cross- sectional, analytical, and multicenter study was developed. The religious beliefs of university students from five countries were investigated and compared with their self-perception of discrimination (related to their practices, customs, or dialect) and other relevant factors. Generalized linear models were employed to analyze the association between the variables. Results: Out of the 2,498 surveyed students, 10%, 18%, and 37% perceived discrimination from their teachers, peers, or towards other peers, respectively. Among the studied religions, Catholics were the ones who perceived the least discrimination (4% from teachers, 7% from peers, and 10% towards other peers). In the multivariate analysis, compared to Catholic students, those who professed Christianity (p< 0.001), agnosticism (p < 0.001), atheism (p = 0.001), and other religions (p < 0.001) perceived greater discrimination from teachers. Likewise, it was observed that students who professed Christianity (p= 0.003), evangelism (p < 0.001), agnosticism (p =0.011), atheism (p = 0.005), and other religions (p =0.001) perceived that their peers suffered discrimination. Regarding discrimination from other people in the educational environment, this was associated with Christianity (p = 0.001), evangelism (p = 0.002), agnosticism (p = 0.002), atheism (p < 0.001), and other religions (p = 0.001). Conclusion: An association was evidenced between the perception of discrimination and the religion professed by the students. However, significant differences were observed according to the origin of the perceived discrimination.