FAITH AND ORAL HEALTH: EXAMINING THE RELIGIOSITY-SPIRITUALITY LINK

Abstract

This study explores the intricate relationship between social determinants of health and religiosity/spirituality (R/S) as essential components of the broader health-disease process. Health is no longer viewed through a purely biological lens, but rather as a complex interplay of social, economic, cultural, ethnic/racial, psychological, and behavioral factors that collectively shape the occurrence of health problems and risk factors in populations. The World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the spiritual dimension of health in 1988, acknowledging the significance of existential questions, the search for meaning, and the sense of life, transcending specific religious affiliations.

R/S has emerged as a compelling area of investigation in recent decades, gaining recognition both in the public and academic spheres. It pertains to an individual's beliefs, practices, and experiences in the realm of spirituality and religion. While R/E is commonly perceived interchangeably by the general population, there exists a conceptual distinction that influences social roles, self-awareness processes, and various aspects of well-being. This differentiation can impact an individual's engagement in religious practices, their internal processes of self-discovery, and their physical and emotional well-being.

This research delves into the multifaceted role of R/S in health, investigating the impact of religiosity on individuals' adherence to religious beliefs, participation in religious activities, and engagement in spiritual practices, such as prayer and religious literature. Furthermore, it explores the implications of these practices on social, emotional, and physical health, shedding light on the intricate connections between spirituality, religiosity, and overall well-being