Invited Commentary: Religious Service Attendance and Implications for Clinical Care, Community Participation, and Public Health

Abstract In this commentary, we review the evidence concerning associations between religious service attendance and subsequent health and wellbeing outcomes. The evidence base for a link between religious service attendance and health has increased substantially over the past 2 decades. The interpr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of epidemiology 2022-01, Vol.191 (1), p.31-35
Main Authors: VanderWeele, Tyler J, Balboni, Tracy A, Koh, Howard K
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Citizen participation
Community involvement
Community Participation
Editor's Choice
Humans
Invited
Public Health
Public participation
Religion
Spirituality
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Summary:Abstract In this commentary, we review the evidence concerning associations between religious service attendance and subsequent health and wellbeing outcomes. The evidence base for a link between religious service attendance and health has increased substantially over the past 2 decades. The interpretation and implications of this research require careful consideration (Am J Epidemiol. 2022;191(1):20–30). It would be inappropriate to universally promote service attendance solely on the grounds of the associations with health. Nevertheless, a more nuanced approach, within both clinical care and public health, may be possible—one that encouraged participation in religious community for those who already positively self-identified with a religious or spiritual tradition and encouraged other forms of community participation for those who did not. Discussion is given to potential future research directions and the challenges and opportunities for promotion efforts by the public health community.
ISSN:0002-9262
1476-6256
DOI:10.1093/aje/kwab134