 |
The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
|
The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Gerry E. Hendershot, PhD, Consultant on Disability and Health Statistics, 4437 Wells Parkway, University Park, MD 20782, 301-927-1120, ghendershot@earthlink.net
Previous studies have shown that attendance at religious services by persons with functional disabilities is related to subsequent improvement in functioning(1). A conceptual model for understanding such relationships between religion and improved outcomes is “religious coping,” ranging from general commitment to religious beliefs to application of religious beliefs to specific personal difficulties(2). One application of religious beliefs to specific personal difficulty is using prayer or spiritual healing as complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) for treatment of health conditions. The purposes of this study were to determine if mobility limitation is related to the use of prayer as CAM among US adults, and whether such a relationship can be attributed to other predictors of CAM use. Data from adults interviewed in the 1999 National Health Interview Survey were analyzed. Mobility limitations of three types are considered, as defined in WHO’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health: changing and maintaining body position; carrying, moving, and handling objects; and walking and moving around. It is found that persons with each type of mobility limitation are more likely than those without such limitations to use prayer and other forms of CAM. While other factors are known to predict CAM(3), the observed differences between persons with and without mobility limitations are not explained by possible confounding variables, such as gender, age, race and ethnicity, and health status.
Learning Objectives: By attending this session, the participant will be able to
Keywords: Disability, Alternative Medicine/Therapies
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Professional Services Contract