THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RELIGIOSITY AND HEALTH-RISK FACTORS IN GERIATRICS

Background: This study investigates the relationship between religion and alcohol use, sedentary life style, and tobacco use. A survey of 99 0 noninstitutionalized persons 62 years of age and older was completed . Five life-style questions, three religious questions, and patient de mographic information were studied. Results and conclusions were clear . Persons who are married, above the poverty level, non-white, and mal e are more likely to use alcohol. Subjects with sedentary life styles are more likely to be older, single, non-white, and female. Smokers ar e more likely to be below the poverty line and non-white. Finally, the relationship between religion and health risks seems minimal, possibl y because of a selection bias.