Impact of religion/spirituality on health: What are the evidences?

Abstract

From advancement of mechanistic view of human body to shifting paradigm of evaluation in medicine, world has changed a lot in last two decades in terms of visualizing a person as One Whole Being. Recently many studies have evolved with a question of spirituality benefits on health. Articles largely concentrated on reduction of physical as well as mental symptoms through association with religious practices. On the other hand, some argue on its association considering error in research designs and bias in studies which have linked positive correlation between religion and health. This review article has considered both accounts of objections as well as neutral studies along with recent developments, which is basically integration of spirituality into medical curriculum. Why it is now gaining attention? Why in need of most of the distressed patients? How religion affects coping and perception of a person and help in crisis? Current approach is critically analyzed for further studies to establish ambiguity in many areas and discussed benefits as how health system can be improved through incorporation of spiritual aspect into health assessment.