The Role of Religious Behavior in Health Self-Management: A Community-Based Participatory Research Study

Abstract

Prevalence of chronic disease, mental health problems, and risk behaviors in San Bernardino (SB) County reflect some of the worst health outcomes in the State of California and the United States.Using the Integrated Theory of Health Behavior Change (ITHBC) as the theoretical framework, this community-based participatory research (CBPR) study aimed to determine how religious self-regulation skills and ability, and religious behaviors, jointly affect health promotion behaviors among socio-economically challenged residents of southwest SB County, California. A convenience sample of adult residents (N = 261) completed a series of inventories to measure the relationship between modified ITHBC constructs of religious self-regulation skills, religious self-management behaviors, and health outcomes. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis was conducted to validate the strong positive effect of religious self-regulation skills and ability on how frequently individuals engage in both organized and non-organized religious activities. Results also indicated a significant positive impact of religious behaviors towards healthy eating behaviors. However, without the engagement in religious activities, high religious self-regulation skills and ability inhibited the likelihood of healthy food intake. This faith-related theoretical model provides an avenue for faith-based organizations' capacity for contributing to community health promotion.

Religious affiliation, religiosity and health behaviors among high school students in Jakarta, Indonesia

“…The result is confirmed by previous studies, which have found a negative association between religiosity [31] addictive behaviors [6,[8][9][10] and soft drink consumptions [9]. Other studies have found a positive association between spirituality and religious practice and healthy eating behaviors [12,[32][33][34]. However, this research revealed that organized, non-organized and intrinsic religiosity were not associated with healthy eating behaviors.…”

Psychosocial care experiences of patients with COVID‐19 at home in Iran: A qualitative study

“…On the other hand, one of the points that explain the relationship between religious attitudes and mental health is the feeling of hope. Pfeiffer et al., (2018) in a community‐based study on ‘The relationship between religious beliefs and actions and mental health and social function’ reported that religion influences mental health by enhancing coping with stress, creating a space for social and family support, establishing hope and happiness for positive emotions, such as a better life, life satisfaction, and happiness (Pfeiffer et al., 2018). Therefore, it can be said that hope plays the role of mental oxygen for human beings the existence of which seems necessary for survival and fighting challenges in life and this helps people to have inner determination and strong faith to face life challenges.…”

Respect for Religiosity: Review of Faith Integration in Health and Wellbeing Interventions with Muslim Minorities

“…Active participation and equitable partnerships in decision making are shown to improve health literacy and community wellbeing (Pfeiffer et al 2018). Trust is closely related to religious beliefs.…”