Much have been said about how faith and spirituality can lower stress levels and improve mental health. It makes sense considering that there are people who rely on faith at some point to get them through the hard times. Now, a new study adds to the growing body of evidence citing the connection between faith and mortality

1. Study: Frequent Religious Service Attendance
Linked To Reduced Death Risk In Women
Much have been said about how faith and spirituality can lower stress levels and improve
mental health. It makes sense considering that there are people who rely on faith at some
point to get them through the hard times. Now, a new study adds to the growing body of
evidence citing the connection between faith and mortality.
Image source: telegraph.co.uk
The study reveals that attending religious services more than once a week is linked to lower
mortality rate among women. The researchers analyzed data from the Nurses’ Health Study
from 1992 to 2012 where 74, 534 Catholic and Protestant women answered questionnaires
about their lifestyle, health, and diet every two years and attendance in religious services
every four years. The incidence of mortality (either from all-cause, cardiovascular disease, or
cancer) was monitored for more than 16 years in the follow-up period, and findings showed
that 2,721 women died due to CVD and 4,479 from cancer.
Women who went to religious services regularly have been found to be 33 percent less likely
to die during the follow-up period, compared to non-attenders. The authors also emphasize
that regular attendance at religious services was linked to 27 percent lower risk of death from
CVD, and 21 percent lower risk of dying from cancer.
So what could explain the connection? According to the researchers, religious participation
can influence behavior and emotions and promote well-being. But its impact on health
remains obscure.

2. The researchers also accounted a variety of factors, including, alcohol consumption, smoking
status, body mass index, social integration, depression, race, and ethnicity. Although no more
than 25 percent of the association can be clearly explained by the factors mentioned, the
researchers are quick to point out that the “finding should not be ignored but rather explored
in more depth.”
Image source: redletterchristians.org
Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is board-certified physician with over a decade of experience in handling critical
care, internal medicine, and pulmonary disease. Like this Facebook page for more interesting features
and updates on medicine and healthy living.