Using religious services to improve health: findings from a sample of middle-aged and older adults with multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to examine the use of religious services to improve health among middle-aged and older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS).


METHODS
Data from the study "Aging With MS: Unmet Needs in the Great Lakes Region" were used to investigate religious service use among 1,275 adults with MS.


RESULTS
The findings indicate that nearly two thirds of the sample currently use religious services to improve their health or well-being. Individuals whose MS is stable and those who have had the disease longer are significantly more likely to use religious services to improve their health.


CONCLUSIONS
Religious organizations should continue providing out-reach and increasing accessibility for individuals with disabling conditions. In addition, health care professionals should be aware of the importance of religious services to individuals with MS and do their part to facilitate participation for those who desire it.
Benjamins
Maureen R
MR
Sinai Urban Health Institute, Mt. Sinai Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Finlayson
Marcia
M
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis; D012067:Religion; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D014481:United States