Relationship between religiosity and health care utilization among Israeli Jews

Background: While a growing body of evidence has shown an association between religiosity and health status, inadequate research exists about religiosity and health care utilization. This is particularly true among Israeli Jews whose distinctive religious and sociocultural attitudes and behaviors may lead to different results than other religious and ethnic groups, with concomitant implications for interventions.

Research Questions: 1) What is the relationship between religiosity and health status for Israeli Jews? 2) What is the relationship between health status and health care utilization for Israeli Jews? 3) Does the relationship between health status and utilization vary based on religious category?

Methodology: The random-sample Israel National Health Survey was analyzed. Utilization was measured by visit to a physician, mental health professional or hospital. Both physical and mental health status measures were included. Religious group was categorized by self-report. Multivariate models were constructed for health status and utilization, controlling for demographic, social and religious factors. Odds ratios and probabilities were produced. Moderation was tested using interaction variables.

Results: Almost 3600 Israeli Jews were surveyed. Associations were found between religious category and both health status and utilization, with variations found by specific outcome measure. Physical health status and physician visits were the measures with strongest evidence of relationships with religiosity. Some evidence of interaction effects was found.

Conclusion: Religiosity is associated with utilization and health status for Israeli Jews. Interventions, such as education or stigma reduction, can potentially be developed to increase utilization and overall health. Additional research is needed, however.