Religious involvement and healthy lifestyles: Evidence from the survey of Texas adults

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.

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