Religious Involvement and Healthy Lifestyles: Evidence from the Survey of Texas Adults

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Citation

Hill, Terrence D.; Ellison, Christopher G.; Burdette, Amy M.; & Musick, Marc A. (2007). Religious Involvement and Healthy Lifestyles: Evidence from the Survey of Texas Adults. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 34(2), 217-222.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although research shows that religious involvement is associated with a wide range of individual health behaviors, it has yet to be determined whether the effect of religious involvement extends to an overall pattern of regular health practices that may constitute a lifestyle.
PURPOSE: Building on prior research, we test whether religious individuals tend to engage in healthier lifestyles than individuals who are less religious.
METHODS: Using data collected from a statewide probability sample of 1,369 Texas adults, we estimate a series of ordinary least squares regression models to assess the net effect of religious involvement on overall healthy lifestyle scores.
RESULTS: The results of our study indicate that religious individuals do tend to engage in healthier lifestyles, and this pattern is similar for men and women and across race/ethnic groups. We also find some evidence to suggest that the association between religious involvement and healthy lifestyles may be less pronounced in old age.
CONCLUSIONS: Assuming that religious involvement is associated with healthier lifestyles, additional research is needed to account for these patterns. Future studies should also consider whether healthy lifestyles may serve as a mechanism through which religious involvement might favor health and longevity.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08836610701566993

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2007

Journal Title

Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Author(s)

Hill, Terrence D.
Ellison, Christopher G.
Burdette, Amy M.
Musick, Marc A.