The relationship between religiosity and tobacco, alcohol use, and depression in an elderly community population.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study is to examine the religious characteristics of older subjects and the associations of these characteristics to the use of tobacco, alcohol, and depression.


METHODS
Data from a multistage random sample were used to examine associations between religiosity and health behaviors (tobacco use, alcohol) and depression among elderly house hold residents aged 60+ in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Survey measures included sociodemographic characteristics, four aspects of religiosity, tobacco use, alcohol abuse and dependence, depression, life style, social context, functional status, and health conditions.


RESULTS
After controlling for demographic, social connections, health behavior, functional status, and health conditions, evangelical affiliation reduced the odds of being a current tobacco user by 51%. Those reporting affiliation as Afro-Brazilian and not having a religion had, respectively, a 74% and 124% increased risk. All other religious domains protect against tobacco use. Not having a religion affiliation and the experience of a religious change increased the risk of alcohol misuse by 88% and 31%, respectively. In contrast, orienting-motivating force increased the odds of depression by 38%. Participating in social religious activities had reduced the risk of depression by 16%.


CONCLUSIONS
Several aspects of religiosity reduced the odds of being a tobacco user. Not having a religion and the experience of a religious change increased the risk of alcohol misuse. However, the domain orienting-motivating force increased the odds, and participating in social religious activities had reduced the risk of a depressive state.
Blay
Sergio Luís
SL
Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. blay@uol.com.br
Batista
Adriana Daher
AD
Andreoli
Sergio Baxter
SB
Gastal
Fábio Leite
FL
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012067:Religion; D012944:Social Support; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology