The Relation between Religiosity, Selected Health Behaviors, and Blood Pressure among Adult Females

doi:10.1006/pmed.1998.0321

Preventive Medicine

Volume 27, Issue 4, July 1998, Pages 545-552

https://doi.org/10.1006/pmed.1998.0321 Get rights and content

Abstract

Background. This study examined the association between blood pressure (BP), selected health behaviors, and various dimensions of religiosity among females.

Methods. Data were obtained on 112 females who were at least 35 years of age and of Judeo-Christian faiths. Resting BP measures were taken with an automated sphygmomanometer, height and weight were measured to determine body mass index (BMI), and intermediate health variables (e.g., physical activity, smoking, diet, and alcohol consumption) were measured by questionnaire. A multifactorial questionnaire was used to assess various dimensions of religiosity. Multiple regression path analyses were conducted to determine the direct and indirect effects of religiosity on BP with age and BMI controlled statistically.

Results. The direct effects of religiosity on SBP and DBP were more substantial than the indirect effects through the intermediate health variables, suggesting that religiosity may be associated with lower levels of BP via a direct pathway, such as improving the ability to cope with stress. In general, DBP was more influenced by religiosity than SBP and the dimensions of “intrinsic religiosity” and “religious coping” were most influencial. Results also indicated that “religious experiences” may exert a greater beneficial effect on DBP in older (50−80 years) age groups.

Conclusions. These results support a direct relationship between religiosity and BP, rather than an indirect effect through intermediate health behaviors.

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Using a probability sample of adults aged 65 and over in North Carolina, Koenig et al. (1998) find that more frequent participation in religious activities (e.g., attend services, pray, study the Bible) is significantly related to lower blood pressure. Other regional studies of community dwelling adults indicate that religious involvement is significantly associated with lower SBP and lower DBP (Graham et al., 1978; Livingston, Levine, & Moore, 1991; Steffen, Hinderliter, Blumenthal, & Sherwood, 2001; Walsh, 1998), although it appears to be more strongly and consistently related to lower DBP (e.g., Hixson, Gruchow, & Morgan, 1998; Lapane, Lasater, Allan, & Carleton, 1997; Larson et al., 1997). Several studies of specific religious denominations or clergy outside the U.S. also find lower blood pressure and/or a lower risk for hypertension among members compared to non-members (Fonnebo, 1992; Timio et al., 1988; Webster & Rawson, 1979).
Researchers have established the role of heredity and lifestyle in the occurrence of hypertension, but the potential role of psychosocial factors, especially religiosity, is less understood. This paper analyzes the relationship between multiple dimensions of religiosity and systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and hypertension using data taken from the Chicago Community Adult Health Study, a probability sample of adults (N = 3105) aged 18 and over living in the city of Chicago, USA. Of the primary religiosity variables examined here, attendance and public participation were not significantly related to the outcomes. Prayer was associated with an increased likelihood of hypertension, and spirituality was associated with increased diastolic blood pressure. The addition of several other religiosity variables to the models did not appear to affect these findings. However, variables for meaning and forgiveness were associated with lower diastolic blood pressure and a decreased likelihood of hypertension outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of analyzing religiosity as a multidimensional phenomenon. This study should be regarded as a first step toward systematically analyzing a complex relationship.
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^☆: This research was partially supported by the Susan Stout Graduate Award, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (project initiated by the investigator).

²: To whom reprint requests should be addressed. Fax: (336) 917-5339.

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Regular ArticleThe Relation between Religiosity, Selected Health Behaviors, and Blood Pressure among Adult Females☆

Abstract

Am J Clin Nutr

Soc Sci Med

Soc Sci Med

Clinical hypertension

Exercise, training and hypertension

Arch Intern Med

Epidemiology of cardiovascular diseases

J Consult Clin Psychol

Is there a religious factor in health?

J Religion Health

The faith factor: an annotated bibliography of clinical research on spiritual subjects

Frequency of church attendance and blood pressure elevation

J Behav Med

The impact of religion on men's blood pressure

J Religion Health

Sociocultural factors in the epidemiology of Zulu hypertension

Am J Public Health

Religious activities and attitudes of older adults in a geriatric assessment clinic

J Am Geriatr Soc

Blood pressure in Seventh Day Adventist vegetarians

Am J Epidemiol

Regular Article
The Relation between Religiosity, Selected Health Behaviors, and Blood Pressure among Adult Females☆