Inflammation and Coagulation as Mediators in the Relationships Between Religious Attendance and Functional Limitations in Older Adults

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine inflammation and coagulation, which are positively linked to disability and inversely linked to increased religious attendance, as mediators in the cross-sectional relationships between religious attendance and functional status. Method: Frequency of attendance and limitations in basic activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities (IADLs), and mobility were assessed in 1,423 elders. Results: More frequent attendance was associated with fewer ADL, IADL, and mobility limitations, and with lower levels of inflammation and coagulation including interleukin-6, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule, and D-dimer. Inflammation and coagulation partially mediated the associations between attendance and function. Eight percent of the effect of attendance on ADL ( p = .014), 5% of the effect on IADL ( p = .003), and 8% of the effect on mobility ( p = .001) limitations were due to inflammation and coagulation. Discussion: Relationships between attendance and function may be due in part to lower levels of inflammation and coagulation among elders who attend services.