engleski

Connection Between Religion and Health: Is it Meaningful for Life?

Last several decades conducted researches are implying that there is a connection between religion and health. Religion as a system of believes, rituals, experiences, knowledge and moral values has a significant impact on health which is more observed from cultural aspect where sociology participates as relevant reflecting discipline (as psychology, anthropology, philosophy, theology, etc.). Social environment and cultural factors influence health, whereas anthropology indicates that health is cultural ideal which varies from culture to culture (Mcguire, 1993., Thoresen, 1999.). Numerous studies (mostly from USA) are showing that the influence of religion on health can be positive and negative, whereat positive influence is more dominant. Already in 19th century numerous epidemiological and medical studies have appeared upon influence of religiosity on health. During the last 35-45 years significant increase of empirical studies focus on the research of religion, spirituality and health (Weaver and al., 2006.). During the sixties epidemiological researches raised questions about connection of church attendance, religious involvement, prayers, importance of religious believes and health. This has influenced the development of epidemiology towards epidemiology of religion. Findings have often but not always shown positive effects of religion on cardio-coronary diseases, high blood pressure, strokes, several cancers, morbidity and mortality, level of life satisfaction, symptoms of depression and suicide, alcoholism and drug addiction including consummation of cigarettes (Thoresen, 1999.). In our presentation we would show the analyzed data from the research Social and Religious Changes in Croatia which was conducted in 2004th on the representative sample of Croatian citizens (N=2200). Analyzes indicate that there is a connection between religiosity and personal perception of health. This connection has to be an interest of future interdisciplinary researches where sociology with its methods and tools must participate.

religiosity; health; religion; social epidemiolgy

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