Women who attend religious services have lower risk of death
Women who attend religious services have a lower risk of death than women who do not attend at all, according to a new study.
Analyzing data for nearly 75,000 women, researchers found that women who attended services more than once a week had a 33 percent lower risk of death over a 16 year period. Weekly attendance cut the risk of death by 26 percent, and even infrequent attendance (less than weekly) lowered the risk by 13 percent.
Those who attended religious services more than once a week also reduced their risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
“Spiritual belief can have a powerful effect on a person’s physical and mental health,” says Dr. Tonja Austin, a family medicine physician on staff at Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest, Ill. “As a physician, I see many people turn to prayer when faced with poor health, and it seems to help with anxiety and their ability to cope with their diagnosis.”
The majority of women who participated in the study were Catholic or Protestant. Those who reported frequent church attendance were more likely to be married, less likely to smoke and less likely to suffer from depression, which may have played a role in their ongoing good health.
Further research could help determine exactly how these influence each other – are women healthier because they go to church, or are healthier women more likely to attend church?
“Not all people belong to a religious faith, but those who attend church or other religious services regularly probably benefit from a strong sense of community and support from peers. I imagine membership in other social clubs and groups could show similar benefits,” says Dr. Austin. “Social isolation has been tied to a greater risk of heart problems and stroke, so strong social ties and a sense of belonging are vital to good health.”
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health enews staff is a group of experienced writers from our Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care sites, which also includes freelance or intern writers.
Um, all women (men too for that matter) have exactly the same risk of death – 100%. Duh.
Incidentally, you’re confusing correlation with causation. Please stop.
The risk of death is still the same (100%). A more satisfied life, a faith-based life, may delay it longer. You may want to think about how you make statements like these. (Edit better)
I applaud the study and see the validity in it. Someone that is close to the Lord has an inner
peace about them that contributes to their overall well being. I it an amazing feeling.
It would be interesting to do a study of women who do not attend church because they are not members of a faith vs the two groups in this study. Perhaps the women in this study are harboring guilty feelings about not going to church and that is affecting their health. I bet women who are not members of a faith wouldn’t feel that same guilt.