Association between life-style behaviors and health outcomes in Adventist and non-Adventist adolescents in Mexico: a pilot study

Abstract

BackgroundIdentifying lifestyle-related health predictors affecting adolescent behaviors is a matter of interest and study for diverse audiences, including the religious sphere. The Adventist religion recommends their followers to adopt a healthy diet, adequate rest, physical activity, sufficient water intake, and non-use of addictive substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, as well as fostering faith and hope to give meaning to life.MethodsA cross-sectional and observational study was conducted among adolescent students aged 13 to 19 years old in Montemorelos City, Nuevo León, Northern Mexico, between September 14, 2017 and February 13, 2018. This study included 363 Mexican adolescents, consisting of 202 Adventists and 161 non-Adventists. The binomial logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the relationships between religious affiliation and life-style behaviors and evaluate the effect of life-style behaviors on health outcomes by religious affiliation. Age, gender, type of residence, and place of birth were controlled.ResultsWe found that Adventist adolescents were more likely to be watching TV for 2 h or less per day (p < 0.001), have enough sleeping time for 7 h or more (p < 0.001), go to bed early at 11 o’clock or before (p < 0.001), and have breakfast (p = 0.006) than non-Adventist adolescents significantly. It indicates that Adventist students are more likely to have healthier life-style behaviors than non-Adventist students. The multiple binomial regression models showed that in the group of Adventist adolescents sporting activity and hours watching TV were significantly associated with obesity risk (p = 0.001) and risky eating patterns (p = 0.044), respectively, controlling for age, gender, type of residence, and place of birth. No relationship was found between life-style behaviors and health outcomes in non-Adventist adolescents.ConclusionsReligious affiliation could serve as a predictor of healthy behaviors among adolescents. This study concluded that Adventist adolescents are more likely to have a healthier lifestyle behavior than non-Adventist adolescents and various health-related behaviors were specifically identified among Adventist participants.

The associations of religiosity and family atmosphere with lifestyle among Saudi adolescents

“…However, our study findings do not contradict what is currently known. For example, higher religiosity is positively associated with healthy behaviors (e.g., diet and exercise) ( Acosta Enriquez et al, 2019 ; Brown et al, 2001 ; Wallace & Forman, 1998 ) and negatively associated with risky behaviors (e.g., smoking and drinking alcohol) ( Gäbler et al, 2017 ; Nagel & Sgoutas-Emch, 2007 ). Most evidence comes from the Western world where Christianity is the most common religion.…”

“…Most evidence comes from the Western world where Christianity is the most common religion. Religiosity in these studies was assessed either as a perception or practices (e.g., church attendance) ( Acosta Enriquez et al, 2019 ; Nagel & Sgoutas-Emch, 2007 ).…”

A Comparison of health locus of control and physical activity among Seventh-day Adventists and non-Seventh-day Adventists

“…In Lindsted et al's (1991) longitudinal study of SDA men, they found that moderate levels of PA protected them from all causes of death, thereby delaying death to 95.6 years, as compared to the national average of 78.8 years (CDC, 2018). Acosta Enríquez et al (2019) examined lifestyle behaviors of SDA and non-SDA adolescents and found no differences in PA levels, although those who participated in a sport had low body mass index levels. Koenig's (2012) systematic review found that religiously-involved people exhibited a mostly positive relationship to obtaining adequate PA.…”

Afiliação religiosa e decisões de cuidado à saúde

“…Em 6 artigos (84)(85)(86)(87)(88)(89) , a frequência religiosa também foi avaliada. Comparações entre duas afiliações religiosas ou entre participantes que pertenciam a uma denominação religiosa versus participantes sem afiliação foram reportadas em 9 publicações (90)(91)(92)(93)(94)(95)(96)(97)(98) . 8 estudos (99)(100)(101)(102)(103)(104)(105)(106) utilizaram escalas de espiritualidade/religiosidade para acessar a afiliação religiosa dos participantes.…”