'Take 2 pills, pray, call me in the a.m.'

CHICAGO, April 9 (UPI) -- More than half of U.S. physicians think religion and spirituality influence their patients' health and most believe the influence is positive.
The information comes from a 2003 survey of more than 1,100 doctors from all medical specialties conducted by Farr Curlin and his colleagues at the University of Chicago.
One of the key findings of the poll was that physicians' reactions were strongly influenced by their own religious beliefs. For example, religious doctors were much more likely to report that their patients brought up religious issues, believe that religion strongly influences health, and interpret the influence of religion in positive ways.
The study found that 76 percent of physicians believe religion helps patients cope by putting them in a positive state of mind and providing a support network.
...more