The health of the body, mind and spirit of Canada's Lutherans, Presbyterians, Baptists and Pentecostals in 2002:

Profiles of health by frequency of worship, plus the results of preliminary analyses of 85 behaviours and states relating to the overall health in these four faith communities

July 2007

                                                                      ·   index  ·   paper (684 KB, 171 p.)  ·   appendix 2 (294 KB, 149 p.)

Abstract

        What subpopulations of are most likely to worship weekly, monthly, less often, or not at all? Do the healthiest subgroups in each faith community worship most frequently? Is worship frequency associated with good health after controlling for other factors?

        This study provides detailed estimates for the adult population, plus the employed in each faith community, relating to each of these questions. The overall weekly worship rate, % worshipping weekly, varies widely, from 19% for Lutherans, to 21% for Presbyterians, 46% for Baptists, and 59% for Pentecostals.

        The provincial rates also vary widely: for Lutherans from 15% in Alberta to 25% in Saskatchewan; for Presbyterians from 20% in Nova Scotia to 36% in Prince Edward Island; for Baptists from 29% in Nova Scotia to 66% in Manitoba; and for Pentecostals from 43% in Alberta to 62% in British Columbia.

        The analyses identify important associations between variables, assuming other factors are held constant. Concerning the associations with education and worship, smoking is negatively associated with education and worship among, Baptists, with education among Lutherans and Presbyterians, and with worship among Pentecostals.

        Also, the number of times intoxicated is negatively associated with worship among Baptists and Pentecostals. Dollars gambled is negatively associated with worship only in all four faiths. The use of illicit drugs is negatively associated with education and worship among Baptists, and with worship among Pentecostals.

        The frequency of feeling loved and appreciated, and planned suicide is associated with neither education nor worship, in all faiths, an unexpected result. The degree of satisfaction with life is associated with both education and worship among Lutherans; and with worship only among Presbyterians and Baptists.

        The frequency of feeling useful is associated with education among Lutherans, Presbyterians and Baptists. The degree of religiosity is associated with worship in all faiths. The strength of belonging to the community is associated with worship among Lutherans, Presbyterians and Baptists. Most results tend to support our assumptions.