Introduction. In recent years, a growing interest in the subject of religiousness and the influence of religion on health can be noticed. Considering religious beliefs is an important element, although often not very noticeable while providing nursing care. Aim. The aim of this study was to assess the religiousness and health behaviours of patients with depression and to investigate the correlation between them. Material and methods. The group of 104 patients suffering from depression participated in the study. Health behaviours of the study group were determined using the author's questionnaire, while the degree of religiousness was assessed on the basis of the Individual Religiosity Scale by A. Latała and P. Socha. Results. The study participants with depression were characterized by a significant degree of religiousness. Health behaviours such as taking medications, eating fruit, vegetables and products rich in omega-3 acid were the most often observed by the respondents. The higher degree of religiousness was observed in the elderly, countryside inhabitants, as well as people with secondary, basic and vocational education. The higher level of health behaviours was characteristic for people with higher education level and professionally active. The respondents who prayed more often individually and participated in Sunday Masses were less likely to be hospitalized due to depression. Conclusions. There was no significant correlation between the level of religiousness of patients with depression and the level of health behaviours manifested by them.

Key words: depression, religiousness, health behaviours, health.