According to a study from the United States, 'Extensive literature reviews suggest that religiousness is positively associated with health. Much less understood is the particular nature of the religion-health connection.'
'Religion and the church play a central role in the lives of many African Americans. This study used a mixed-methods approach to examine perceptions of the religion-health connection among African Americans in urban and rural areas. Four hundred participants were randomly selected and interviewed by telephone, answering open-ended questions about their perceptions of the role of religiousness in their health. pata were analyzed using an open-coding technique. Codes were arranged into families involving the role of a higher power, health behavior, physical factors, social support, mental health, and contextual factors in determining physical health, as well as the potential negative role of religiousness. Quantitative analysis revealed the stronger presence of themes among women, older participants, and those in rural counties,' wrote C.L. Holt and colleagues, University of Alabama.
The researchers concluded: 'Applications for theory and health promotion are discussed.'
Holt and colleagues published their study in Health Education & Behavior (Perceptions of the Religion-Health Connection Among African Americans in the Southeastern United States: Sex, Age, and Urban/Rural Differences. Health Education & Behavior, 2009;36(1):62-80).
For more information, contact C.L. Holt, University of Alabama, School Medical, Division Prevention Medical, MT 641, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
Publisher contact information for the journal Health Education & Behavior is: Sage Publications Inc., 2455 Teller Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA.
Keywords: United States, Birmingham, Life Sciences, Behavior, Health & Society, University of Alabama.
This article was prepared by Education Letter editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Education Letter via VerticalNews.com.
