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Health Impact of Jewish Religious Observance in the USA: Findings from the 2000–01 National Jewish Population Survey

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Abstract

Using data from the 2000–01 National Jewish Population Survey (NJPS) (N = 5,148), effects of eight religious measures were investigated in relation to two health outcomes, standard single-item indicators of self-rated health and presence of an activity-limiting health condition. Seven of the religious measures were associated bivariately with one or both health indicators. Through two-step OLS regression of each health indicator onto all of the religious measures, adjusting for age and other sociodemographic correlates, two measures of synagogue involvement remained statistically significant. Follow-up analysis revealed a net health impact of religious observance primarily limited to Orthodox and Conservative Jews.

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  1. Institute for Studies of Religion, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97236, Waco, TX, 76798, USA

    Jeff Levin

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Levin, J. Health Impact of Jewish Religious Observance in the USA: Findings from the 2000–01 National Jewish Population Survey. J Relig Health 50, 852–868 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-011-9492-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-011-9492-6

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