title: Religious involvement, social engagement, and subjective health status of older residents of informal neighborhoods of Nairobi.
abstract: Although past research has extensively documented the effects of religious involvement and social integration on the health outcomes of older people, relatively little research has examined the relationship among older Africans. In this article, we examined the effects of religious affiliation and participation as well as forms of social engagement, including social support, sociability, and community participation on self-reported health. The study used data from a sample of older men and women (50 years and above) from two informal settlements in Nairobi Kenya. Differences in religious groups were statistically significant. Frequency of religious attendance was negatively associated with health, while the number of close friends, social support, and frequency of community participation were positively and independently related to self-reported health.
authors.affiliation: African Population & Health Research Center, Shelter Afrique Center, PO Box 10787-00100 GPO, Longonot Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi, Kenya. ikodzi@aphrc.org
authors.forename: Ivy Abla
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Kodzi
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Obeng Gyimah
authors.forename: Jacques
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Emina
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chika Ezeh
mesh_terms: D002410:Catholicism; D003256:Community Participation; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007514:Islam; D007630:Kenya; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011204:Poverty Areas; D033303:Protestantism; D012067:Religion; D057566:Self Report; D012944:Social Support; D014505:Urban Population