ABSTRACT
The rationale for attending to the religious aspects of patients’ lives derives from the importance given to it by the patients themselves. Religion is an important part of daily life for 75 percent of the people in the United States and is a prominent influence in society. Religious groups have specific beliefs about health practices and medical decisions that guide the actions of their followers. Knowledge of the major demographic factors and the health views of religious groups is imperative to understanding the influence of religion on patients’ lives and health.
