The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #61057

Karen Hye-cheon Kim, PhD and Jeffery Sobal, PhD, MPH. Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, MVR Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, 607-254-6337, khk4@cornell.edu

OBJECTIVES: Diet and exercise play essential roles in health, and research on these health behaviors has increased the public’s awareness of their importance. However, research regarding these health behaviors has predominately focused on these factors as proximate causes of disease, rather than examine the context of how these particular health behaviors are developed and maintained. An under-investigated factor that can provide insights about diet and exercise is religion. Religion may influence health behaviors through providing social support to encourage and maintain beneficial health behaviors. METHODS: Data (546 adults aged 17-91) from an upstate New York community sample were analyzed to examine religion’s relationship with fat intake and physical activity. Social support’s potential role as a mediator in these relationships was also tested. RESULTS: After accounting for the appropriate demographic controls, one aspect of religious commitment—giving a substantial amount of money to a religious group or cause—was significantly related to higher physical activity in women (r=.45). Adding social support to the model did not significantly alter the magnitude of religion’s relationship with physical activity (r=0.43). No relationships were found between religion and physical activity in men, and between religion and fat intake. CONCLUSIONS: Religious commitment is positively related to greater physical activity in women. Social support does not appear to play a significant role in this relationship.

Learning Objectives:

• The presentation will enable the audience to identify how religion may influence nutrition and physical activity, and recognize the importance of contextualizing health behaviors in their relationship to health.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.