Angela Rao1, Louise D Hickman2, Jane L Phillips3, David Sibbritt4. 1. Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: Angela.Rao@uts.edu.au. 2. Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia. 3. Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia; Centre for Cardiovascular and Chronic Care, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia. 4. Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia; Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of users of prayer or spiritual healing among Australian women aged 31-36 years. DESIGN AND SETTING: This cross-sectional study was conducted as a part of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH). The sample used in the current sub-study were participants from the 'young' cohort (1973-78) (n=8180) aged between 31 and 36 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Use of prayer or spiritual healing RESULTS: Prayer or spiritual healing was used on a regular basis by 20% of women aged between 31 and 36 years in 2009. Women who had symptoms of chronic illnesses (p=0.001), women who had never smoked (p=0.001) and women who used other forms of CAM (p<0.001) were significantly more likely to use prayer or spiritual healing. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of women use prayer or spiritual healing on a regular basis. Further research is required to better understand their rationale for using prayer or spiritual healing and its perceived impact on health related outcomes and general well-being.
OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of users of prayer or spiritual healing among Australian women aged 31-36 years. DESIGN AND SETTING: This cross-sectional study was conducted as a part of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH). The sample used in the current sub-study were participants from the 'young' cohort (1973-78) (n=8180) aged between 31 and 36 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Use of prayer or spiritual healing RESULTS: Prayer or spiritual healing was used on a regular basis by 20% of women aged between 31 and 36 years in 2009. Women who had symptoms of chronic illnesses (p=0.001), women who had never smoked (p=0.001) and women who used other forms of CAM (p<0.001) were significantly more likely to use prayer or spiritual healing. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of women use prayer or spiritual healing on a regular basis. Further research is required to better understand their rationale for using prayer or spiritual healing and its perceived impact on health related outcomes and general well-being.