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Effects of Religious Behavior on Health-Related Lifestyles of Muslims in Malaysia

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Abstract

Religion has become more prominent in shaping attitudes and behavior, but little empirical information is available on the impact of religious behavior in shaping individual Muslims’ health-related lifestyle behaviors in developing countries. The present study explores the relationship between religious behavior and the health-related practices of Malaysian Muslims. A convenience sample of 176 Malaysian Muslims was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to develop the model. Result shows that health-related actions are strongly influenced, both directly and indirectly, by the health-related lifestyle choices consumers engaging in on a daily basis in accordance with Islamic teachings.

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Acknowledgments

The author is grateful to FRGS grant (203/PMGT/6711252) and Universiti Sains Malaysia for funding and support.

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Correspondence to Siti Hasnah Hassan.

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Hassan, S.H. Effects of Religious Behavior on Health-Related Lifestyles of Muslims in Malaysia. J Relig Health 54, 1238–1248 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-014-9861-z

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