Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
07:10
Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 24, 2019
Physical health functioning among United Methodist clergy.
Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell1, Sara LeGrand
1Duke University Global Health Institute, Duke University Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Box 90392, Durham, NC 27708-0392, USA. Rae.jean@duke.edu
Journal of Religion and Health
|July 9, 2010
Summary
Despite higher disease rates, United Methodist clergy report better physical health functioning than the general population. This optimistic outlook may hinder participation in needed chronic disease interventions.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Public health
- Sociology of religion
Background:
- United Methodist clergy exhibit higher self-reported rates of chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
- A distinction exists between diagnosed health conditions and physical health functioning, which impacts daily activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the physical health functioning of United Methodist clergy in North Carolina.
- To compare clergy physical health functioning to US population norms, considering their reported disease burden.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the SF-12, a measure of physical health functioning, administered to 1726 actively serving clergy.
- Compared SF-12 Physical Composite Scores of clergy (n=1074) to US-normed data using mean difference tests.
Main Results:
- Clergy reported significantly better physical health composite scores compared to gender- and age-matched US peers.
- This improved functioning was observed despite the sample's higher-than-average chronic disease burden.
Conclusions:
- United Methodist clergy demonstrate a disconnect between diagnosed chronic diseases and perceived physical health functioning.
- Health interventions for clergy are necessary but may face challenges due to their positive self-assessment of physical health.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Healthcare Agencies II
There are various healthcare agencies in the United States—some of which are managed by religious institutions and others by different government branches.
Parish nursing is a growing specialty nursing profession that focuses on holistic healthcare, health promotion, and illness prevention. It blends professional nursing practice with a health ministry, focusing on health and healing within the context of a Christian community. Parish nurses serve as health educators, referral sources, and lay...
Parish nursing is a growing specialty nursing profession that focuses on holistic healthcare, health promotion, and illness prevention. It blends professional nursing practice with a health ministry, focusing on health and healing within the context of a Christian community. Parish nurses serve as health educators, referral sources, and lay...
01:21Dimensions of Health and Illness
The factors influencing the health-illness continuum can be internal or external and may or may not be under conscious control. They are related to the following eight human dimensions, and each dimension is interrelated to one other.
01:29Concepts of Health and Illness
Health is a condition of the body, mind, and spirit where an individual remains free from illness. Similarly, wellness is an active state, including living a lifestyle that promotes physical, mental, and emotional health. Physical health is critical for the overall well-being and can be affected by lifestyle, activity level, diet, and behavior. The highest attainable standard of health is a fundamental and universal human right. Consider Lisa, a fifteen-year-old born with congenital...
01:05Data Collection III
The physical assessment examines the patient for objective data that defines the patient's condition, and aids in formulating the nursing care plan. The purpose of physical assessment is a health status appraisal, which includes identifying health problems, and establishing a database for nursing intervention.
The principles to begin the physical assessment include conducting a comprehensive or problem-related history in a quiet, well-lit room, emphasizing privacy and comfort for the patient.
The principles to begin the physical assessment include conducting a comprehensive or problem-related history in a quiet, well-lit room, emphasizing privacy and comfort for the patient.
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
Primary care promotes wellness and prevents disease. This care includes health promotion, education, protection (such as immunizations), early disease screening, and environmental considerations. Settings providing this type of healthcare include physician offices, public health clinics, school nursing, and community health nursing.
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...