There is a strong positive association between religion and health. As the following evidence suggests, religiosity impacts areas such as chronic disease, functional disability, psychological wellbeing, and subjective perceptions of health.

• Religious factors have a positive influence on a diverse set of outcomes, including depression, drug and alcohol use, delinquent behavior, suicidal ideation, and psychological distress.
• Religious protections, such as increased hope, social personal regulation, and regulation of depression, fear and anxiety, have positive effects on a patient’s cardiovascular system.
• The practice of prayer has shown to provide emotional comfort, and thus, improved health.

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As a health professional, you will often encounter religion playing an important role in the patient’s life. Family members and friends may pray aloud for the patient in the hospital room or anoint the patient with oils. Patients may converse with you about topics such as faith, healing, and death. You will interact with chaplains, priests, rabbis, and imams on a regular basis. It is important to understand the integration of religion and health and that it is not easily separated in the healthcare setting as it has been in areas such as education and government.

The effects of religiosity are primarily positive but you may encounter patients who experience negative outcomes, such as poorer mental and physical health status, negative coping behaviors, and inappropriate use of health services. These negatives may be related to fanaticism, asceticism, and oppressive traditionalism. There are religious groups that teach that certain medical procedures are not allowed, or that members should generally reject medical attention in favor of prayer.