Is church attendance associated with Latinas' health practices and self-reported health?

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate (a) the relation between frequency of church attendance, self-rated health, and health behaviors controlling for potential confounders and (b) the influence of acculturation on church attendance and health behaviors. Methods: Physical activity and dietary patterns, demographics, and acculturation levels were compared among Latinas who attended church frequently, infrequently, and not at all. Results: Church attendance was independently and positively assocated with healthier dietary and physical activity behaviors, but not with self-rated health. Acculturation attenuated the relation between physical activity and church attendance. Conclusion: Latinas' health behaviors and self-rated health may be related to other variables that explain the salutary effects of church attendance.