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Associations of Religiousness with 12-Month Prevalence of Drug Use and Drug-Related Sex

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Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the hypothesis that religious affiliation, attendance at religious services, and religious importance would be negatively associated with substance use and sexual behavior related to substance use. An additional hypothesis was tested to determine if age-related differences in the magnitude of these associations was present. Data from the National Survey of Family Growth were utilized to examine these hypotheses in 12,571 women and men. Results showed expected associations between religiousness and substance use and sexual behavior. No age differences in the magnitude of these associations were identified. Religiousness may offer protection from health risks, and faith-based public health efforts would do well to continue to develop education for both young and middle age individuals that incorporate key aspects of their faith and religious beliefs.

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  1. Department of Psychology, Luther College, Decorah, IA, USA

    Loren Toussaint

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  1. Loren Toussaint
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Correspondence to Loren Toussaint.

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Toussaint, L. Associations of Religiousness with 12-Month Prevalence of Drug Use and Drug-Related Sex. Int J Ment Health Addiction 7, 311–323 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-008-9171-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-008-9171-3

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