Religiosity, Social Support and Care Associated with Health in Older Mexicans with Diabetes

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between religiosity, social support, diabetes care and control and self-rated health of people living in Mexico who have been diagnosed with diabetes. Structural equation modeling was used to examine these associations using the Mexican Health and Aging Study, a national representative survey of older Mexicans. Findings indicate that emotional support from one’s spouse/partner directly affects diabetes care and control and health. Although there is no direct relationship between religiosity and health, religiosity was positively associated with diabetes care and control, but not significantly related to health.

Religiosity and self-rated health among older adults in Colombia

“…In contrast, those who believe that it is important to suffer in silence tend to rate their health less favorably. In some populations, however, religiosity may be related to worse self-rated health 47 , or is unrelated to it 48 .…”

On the Role of Spirituality and Religiosity in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Management—A Systematic Review

“…Spirituality has evolved beyond religious considerations to encompass multidimensional and existential perspectives that are integral to maintaining well-being in the chronically ill (Curlin et al, 2009). Many research studies have examined the role of religiosity in the management of diabetes (Ferraro & Albrecht-Jensen, 1991;Ellison & Levin, 1998;Koenig, McCulloug, & Larson, 2001;Williams & Sternthal, 2007;Krause, 2011;Salmoirago-Blotcher et al, 2011;Krause & Bastida, 2012;Audulv, 2013;Rivera-Hernandez, 2016). These studies have been performed in a very complex field, granted that there are a number of possible pathways linking disease management (Rivera-Hernandez, 2016) and religiosity affecting health outcomes (Koenig, 2001;Tarakeshwar et al, 2006;Aina, 2006;Agara, 2008;Koenig, 2009).…”

“…Thus, they may support and empower patients in making correct decisions (Heidari, Rezaei, Sajadi, Ajorpaz, & Koenig, 2017;Rivera-Hernandez, 2016).…”

“…Darvyri et al Williams, 2015). Two of the studies included were cohort studies (Grey et al, 2004), while 11 studies were cross-sectional (Arcury et al, 2007;Newlin et al, 2008;Newlin et al, 2010;How et al, 2011;Lynch et al, 2012;Jafari et al, 2014;Amadi et al, 2015;Rivera-Hernandez, 2016;Berardi et al, 2016;Heidari, Rezaei, Sajadi, Ajorpaz, & Koenig, 2017).…”

“…Religious and spiritual strategies for improving diabetes outcomes are faith in God, reading of the Bible or other religious books, prayer and seeking help from religious or spiritual people. Social support by members of the church and their religious beliefs may be associated with aspects of diabetes care (Rivera-Hernandez, 2016;Newlin et al, 2008).…”