Religious activities and health outcomes: the College Bound Sisters Program.

College Bound Sisters (CBS) is a program that helps younger sisters of teenage mothers change their life trajectory by accomplishing three objectives: avoidance of pregnancy, completion of high school, and enrollment in college. Data related to religious activities and accomplishment of the three objectives for 129 members were analyzed using chi square. CBS defines health as the accomplishment of the three program objectives using Norbeck's theoretical model of social support. The adolescents were divided into three groups: those who became pregnant, dropped out of school, or completed high school. The three groups were compared with regard to the frequency of participating in religious activities. The majority of the CBS adolescents reported participating in weekly religious activities. No significant difference was found among the three groups, with regard to religious activities. However, CBS program participants were more likely than nonparticipants to graduate high school and enroll in college. Implications for incorporating religious activities in teenage pregnancy prevention programs are discussed.