What Can Be Learned from Health-Related Tensions and Disparities in Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Families?

This study aims to reveal key cultural-religious aspects of attitudes and behaviors regarding lifestyle in one such closed community —the ultra-orthodox Jewish community. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 participants: religious leaders, educational figures, psycho-medical professionals from two major ultra-orthodox communities in Israel. A thematic analysis was used to reveal key themes in the interviews. We found ten sions between conflicting themes in the parenting, nutrition and physical activity domains, while the sleep domain illustrated cultural solution for a tension. By illuminating the perceptional components of lifestyle, the study contributes to better foundations of health promotion in closed-religiou s communities.
Source: Journal of Religion and Health - Category: Medical Ethics Source Type: research