Health, spirituality related

By Joe Stuteville

Scientists investigating health outcomes and the expectations of patients typically have not considered the value of spirituality in medical care, either ignoring it as a factor or claiming it cannot be measured. But studies in recent years show the contrary, claims an Indiana University School of Medicine psychiatrist and clinical professor in the Department of Neurology.

“The mindset among many in medicine has been that if you cannot measure something, it probably is not important or is not a variable worth studying,” said Dr. Elizabeth Bowman, speaking at a gathering at the IU School of Medicine’s Spring Mini Medical School. “More and more, we’re learning there is a correlation between a person’s spirituality and how it affects disease prevention and recovery.”

She cited several U.S. studies, including one that showed Christians and Jews with frequent worship attendance are at lower risk of developing cardiovascular and coronary artery diseases than those who rarely or do not attend services.

In addition, Bowman pointed out that adherence to religious beliefs that eschew alcohol and illicit drug use, smoking, lack of exercise and poor nutrition is reinforced by regular and active worship.

“Faith and lifestyle are mediating variables because many religions teach respect for the body because it is God’s temple,” said Bowman, who also holds a master’s degree in sacred theology. “The more intrinsic one’s religion is and the more active they are in attending services, the more

likely they are to experience better health. Worship often evokes positive emotions such as love, hope and peace, and we cannot discount the value of what those emotions mean to a person’s physical well-being.”

Do spiritually minded folks inherit the earth longer than those who are not? One 10-year study of 21,000 Americans showed that regular worship attendees live an average of seven years longer than those who never attend. African-Americans with strong church affiliation live an average of 14 years longer than all other ethnic groups in the United States.

While evidence is growing that faith and spirituality are paramount patient concerns, many health care professionals--particularly psychiatrists and psychologists--have been slow to come around to that notion, noted Bowman. Compared to physicians in other specialties, family physicians generally are more receptive to discuss religious issues with their patients and to pray with them when asked. One study showed that hospital nurses account for 88 percent of patient referrals to hospital chaplains.

One IU School of Medicine physician has no qualms about addressing the spiritual aspects of health and healing with his patients. “I’ve fully embraced this in my practice, but I don’t think anybody should feel obligated to do so,” said Dr. Larry Cripe, a cancer specialist at the IU Cancer Center. He said physicians often are uncomfortable talking with their patients on a personal level about spiritual matters, particularly terminal patients or those with conditions medical science cannot treat.

“We don’t have all the answers and shouldn’t pretend to,” said Cripe, who was joined by a psychologist and rabbi in a panel discussion following Bowman’s presentation. “The best we can do in some situations is to just listen-really listen-to our patients’ fears and concerns, their expectations and the strength they derive from their faith.”

Joseph Smedley, an IUPUI adjunct professor who specializes in the cultural aspects of health care and education, and Rabbi Susan Conforti, an IU Hospital chaplain and leader of the Temple B’Nai Israel in Kokomo, also participated in the panel discussion.