Religion and differences in morbidity and mortality
Jarvis, G.K.; Northcott, H.C.
Social Science and Medicine 25(7): 813-824
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0277-9536 PMID: 3686110 DOI: 10.1016/0277-9536(87)90039-6Document Number: 348973
Religion and its effects on morbidity and mortality (with particular emphasis on mortality) are reviewed as are special issues which have in the past made the study of religion and death difficult. The morbidity and mortality experience of various religious groups is portrayed, including Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Muslims, the clergy, Seventh-day Adventists, Latter-day Saints, Parsis, Jehovah's Witnesses and Hutterites. Studies of religious effects on morbidity and mortality have broadened in focus from the study of specific health practices, or health-related behaviors, to include the study of social support, religious participation and health-related attitudes. Gaps in the literature are identified and a preliminary model of religion's effect on morbidity and mortality is discussed.