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Allouch F, Mills KT, Laurent J, Alvarado F, Gustat J, He H, He J, Ferdinand KC. Perceived Religious Influence on Health Is Associated with Beneficial Health Behaviors in Members of Predominantly Black Churches. Ethn Dis 2023; DECIPHeR:81-88. [PMID: 38846731 PMCID: PMC11099522 DOI: 10.18865/ed.decipher.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and Black populations are disproportionately affected. Black populations also have high rates of religiosity, which may be an important health motivator, but mechanisms are unclear. Objective We examined the relationship between perceived religious influence on health and cardiovascular health behaviors, risk factors, and confidence participating in medical care in Black church congregants. Methods We surveyed 302 members of 13 churches with predominantly Black congregations in New Orleans, Louisiana. Participants reported if religious beliefs had an influence on their health and if they avoided harmful behaviors because of religion. Fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, smoking status, confidence asking questions to health care providers, understanding treatment plans and self-reported hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes were assessed. Logistic regression was used adjusting for age, sex, and education. Results Survey respondents were 77% female with a median age of 66 years, and 72%, 56%, and 37% reported hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes, respectively. Perceived religious influence on health was positively associated with fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, and confidence asking questions to health care providers. Avoiding harmful behaviors because of religion was positively associated with physical activity. There was no association between perceived religious influence on health and smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, or diabetes. Conclusion Perceived religious influence on health was associated with beneficial cardiovascular health behaviors and confidence participating in medical care. These findings can inform the design and delivery of interventions to reduce cardiovascular disease among Black religious communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Allouch
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Katherine T. Mills
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
- Translational Sciences Institute, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Jodie Laurent
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Flor Alvarado
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Jeanette Gustat
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
- Translational Sciences Institute, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Hua He
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
- Translational Sciences Institute, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Jiang He
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
- Translational Sciences Institute, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
| | - Keith C. Ferdinand
- Translational Sciences Institute, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
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Gandara E, Harvey IS, McKyer L, Luo W, Burdine J. Qualitative Inquiry of African American Female Church Leaders on Facilitators and Barriers of Conducting Adult Health Programs Within African American Churches: A Pilot Study Using a Socioecological Perspective Within the United States. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023; 62:3430-3452. [PMID: 37314599 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01852-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite the success of health programs conducted within African American (AA) churches, research has been limited in understanding the facilitators and barriers of conducting adult health programs in churches led by female AA pastors/leaders. In addition, research has yet to analyze the effect of policy on these church-based health programs. Thus, this pilot study's objective is to use the socio-ecological model (SEM) as a framework to explore female AA pastors' and church leaders' perspectives, in the U.S., on facilitators and barriers that exist when conducting adult health programs within their congregations. Using snowball sampling to recruit AA female church leaders and pastors (n = 6), semi-structured interviews were conducted with study participants. Data were then transcribed and analyzed using First and Second Cycle coding to identify themes. Nine themes emerged from the data, and after stratifying the themes according to the SEM, this study found that facilitators and barriers exist at the intrapersonal, organizational, community, and policy levels of the SEM. It is important for these factors to be considered to ensure that health programs led by AA women pastors/leaders are successful within AA churches. Study limitations and the need for further research are also noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Gandara
- Department of Public Health, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | | | - Lisako McKyer
- Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, Bentonville, AR, USA
| | - Wen Luo
- Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Jim Burdine
- Department of Health Behavior, Texas A&M School of Public Health, College Station, TX, USA
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Gruson-Wood J, Haines J, Rice C, Chapman GE. The problem of heteronormativity in family-based health promotion: centring gender transformation in Ontario, Canada. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2023; 114:659-670. [PMID: 37040043 PMCID: PMC10088627 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-023-00760-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Social scientists have demonstrated that family health work is interlinked with heteronormative gender inequities. Yet family-based public health interventions rarely incorporate a gender transformative approach or address heteronormativity as a potential health barrier in North America. Instead, attention to gender surfaces primarily in family health interventions conducted in low- to middle-income countries with majority Black and racialized populations. The objective of this article is to establish the importance of designing health interventions that account for heteronormative relations in Ontarian families by drawing on empirical data from the Guelph Family Health Study (GFHS). METHODS We draw on data (February-October 2019) from (1) semi-structured interviews with 20 families and with 4 health educators facilitating the GFHS home visits and (2) observational data of 11 GFHS home visits and 1 health educator training day. Informed by gender transformation theory, data were analyzed and coded to understand the impact of gender, sexuality, and place in family health interventions. RESULTS Pre-existing heteronormative parenting relations were reinforced through GFHS participation: the GFHS was mother-led, increasing some mothers' stress levels. Fathers tended to consider paid work a justification for disengaging from the GFHS, and their detachment sometimes obstructed mothers' intervention efforts. Health educators (all women) were caught in these relations, feeling like because of their gender, they were viewed by parents as confidants and marriage counsellors. CONCLUSION Findings emphasize the need for expanding the epistemic and methodological approaches to family-based health interventions, changing the demographic and geographic emphasis within the field, and designing interventions that focus on societal-level changes. Heterosexuality has not been analyzed as a risk factor within the public health field, but our findings indicate the need for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Gruson-Wood
- Social Practice and Transformational Change Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
| | - Jess Haines
- Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Carla Rice
- Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Gwen E Chapman
- Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Wippold GM, Garcia KA, Frary SG. The role of sense of community in improving the health-related quality of life among Black Americans. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 51:251-269. [PMID: 35700438 PMCID: PMC9742166 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Black Americans have the lowest life expectancy and health-related quality of life (HRQoL; a strong predictor of premature mortality) of any racial/ethnic group in the United States. Low rates of physical activity and engagement in healthy eating are two known contributors to low HRQoL. Black Americans are more likely to live in environments that inhibit engagement in these two contributors. The present study examined sense of community as a buffer against the adverse effects of low physical activity and healthy eating on HRQoL among Black Americans. A sample of 290 Black American adults were recruited for the present study. Results indicate that sense of community buffers against the adverse effects of low physical activity on HRQoL. The results of the present study can be used by health promotion interventionists and policy-makers to improve HRQoL and reduce premature mortality among Black Americans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo M. Wippold
- Department of PsychologyBarnwell College, University of South CarolinaColumbiaSouth CarolinaUSA
| | - Kaylyn A. Garcia
- Department of PsychologyBarnwell College, University of South CarolinaColumbiaSouth CarolinaUSA
| | - Sarah Grace Frary
- Department of PsychologyBarnwell College, University of South CarolinaColumbiaSouth CarolinaUSA
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5
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Gandara E, Harvey IS, Foster M, Luo W, McKyer L, Burdine J, Martinez D. Facilitators and Barriers When Conducting Adult Health Programs Within the African American Church: A Systematic Review. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2022:10.1007/s10943-022-01532-6. [PMID: 35303242 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-022-01532-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite the success of health programs conducted within African American (AA) churches, research has been limited in understanding facilitators and barriers that exist when conducting adult health programs within AA churches. Thus, the objective of this study was to systematically review the literature to identify these facilitators and barriers. A comprehensive literature search was conducted and studies that met the eligibility criteria were divided based on their focus: disease topic or behavior, health promotion activities, or church readiness. Facilitators and barriers were also stratified using the socioecological model. Out of 288 articles initially identified, only 29 were included. Facilitators and barriers were predominantly found at the intrapersonal and organizational level for disease topic or behavior studies, and at the organizational level for studies focused on health promotion activities and church readiness. None of the articles identified facilitators and barriers at the policy level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Gandara
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, Texas A&M School of Public Health, College Station, TX, USA.
- Psychiatry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
| | | | - Margaret Foster
- University Libraries, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Wen Luo
- Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Lisako McKyer
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, Texas A&M School of Public Health, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Jim Burdine
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, Texas A&M School of Public Health, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Denise Martinez
- Center for Community Health Development, Texas A&M School of Public Health, College Station, TX, USA
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African American Clergy Recommendations to Enhance the Federal Plan to End the HIV Epidemic: A Qualitative Study. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:100-111. [PMID: 34417672 PMCID: PMC8379056 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03415-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
African Americans in the southern United States continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV. Although faith-based organizations (FBOs) play important roles in the social fabric of African American communities, few HIV screening, care, and PrEP promotion efforts harness the power of FBOs. We conducted 11 focus groups among 57 prominent African American clergy from Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama. We explored clergy knowledge about the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America (EHE); normative recommendations for how clergy can contribute to EHE; and how clergy can enhance the HIV care continua and PrEP. We explored how clergy have responded to the COVID-19 crisis, and lessons learned from pandemic experiences that are relevant for HIV programs. Clergy reported a moral obligation to participate in the response to the HIV epidemic and were willing to support efforts to expand HIV screening, treatment, PrEP and HIV care. Few clergy were familiar with EHE, U = U and TasP. Many suggested developing culturally tailored messages and were willing to lend their voices to social marketing efforts to destigmatize HIV and promote uptake of biomedical interventions. Nearly all clergy believed technical assistance with biomedical HIV prevention and care interventions would enhance their ability to create partnerships with local community health centers. Partnering with FBOs presents important and unique opportunities to reduce HIV disparities. Clergy want to participate in the EHE movement and need federal resources and technical assistance to support their efforts to bridge community activities with biomedical prevention and care programs related to HIV. The COVID-19 pandemic presents opportunities to build important infrastructure related to these goals.
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Brown NR, Alick CL, Heaston AG, Monestime S, Powe N. The Black Church and Public Health: A Key Partnership for Theory Driven COVID-19 Recovery Efforts. J Prim Care Community Health 2022; 13:21501319221097672. [PMID: 35619243 PMCID: PMC9150224 DOI: 10.1177/21501319221097672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 epidemic has negatively impacted the Black community in the United States. Despite current disease mitigation efforts, work is still needed to ensure that Black individuals living in the United States understand their risks regarding COVID-19 infection whether vaccinated or unvaccinated. Thus, the current article posits that the Black church, in concert with public health practitioners, is a venue through which theoretically based health messages should be designed and disseminated regarding COVID-19 recovery efforts. The Health Belief Model and the Harm Reduction approach are posed as theoretical frameworks to facilitate the design of such messages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Candice L. Alick
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Shanada Monestime
- Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, FL, USA
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Aaron SP, Gazaway SB, Harrell ER, Elk R. Disparities and Racism Experienced Among Older African Americans Nearing End of Life. CURRENT GERIATRICS REPORTS 2021; 10:157-166. [PMID: 34956825 PMCID: PMC8685164 DOI: 10.1007/s13670-021-00366-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The purpose of this review is to examine racism in healthcare as it relates to older African American adults. We focus on health disparities in old age and medical mismanagement throughout their lifespan. Recent Findings In the United States there have been extensive medical advances over the past several decades. Individuals are living longer, and illnesses that were deemed terminal in the past are now considered chronic illnesses. While most individuals living with chronic illness have experienced better quality of life, this is not the case for many African American older adults. Summary Older African American adults are less likely to have their chronic illness sufficiently managed and are more likely to die from chronic illnesses that are well controlled in Whites. African American older adults also continue to suffer from poorer healthcare outcomes throughout the lifespan to end-of-life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan P Aaron
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, 10 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 U.S.A
| | - Shena B Gazaway
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL U.S.A
| | - Erin R Harrell
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL U.S.A
| | - Ronit Elk
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL U.S.A
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Hayes T, Baskin L, Funchess T, Lowe S, Mayfield-Johnson S. Engaging African American Pastors in COVID-19 Research During a Pandemic: Lessons Learned. THE JOURNAL OF PASTORAL CARE & COUNSELING : JPCC 2021; 75:241-250. [PMID: 34851223 DOI: 10.1177/15423050211062547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
African American pastors are recognized as trusted information sources for their communities. The pastors willing to address health-related concerns such as preventing the spread of the coronavirus are invaluable for leading their congregation through relevant health programs. Underlining the importance of religion, spirituality, and faith-based leaders in addressing and furthering health promotion research, the article discusses lessons learned during the study implementation and the recommendations for engaging minority pastors in research during a global health pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Traci Hayes
- School of Health Professions (Department of Public Health), 5104University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA
| | - LaWanda Baskin
- School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice (Department of Nursing), 5104University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA
| | - Tanya Funchess
- School of Health Professions (Department of Public Health), 5104University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA
| | - Samaria Lowe
- School of Health Professions (Department of Public Health), 5104University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA
| | - Susan Mayfield-Johnson
- School of Health Professions (Department of Public Health), 5104University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA
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Yeary KHK, Alcaraz KI, Ashing KT, Chiu C, Christy SM, Felsted KF, Lu Q, Lumpkins CY, Masters KS, Newton RL, Park CL, Shen MJ, Silfee VJ, Yanez B, Yi J. Considering religion and spirituality in precision medicine. Transl Behav Med 2021; 10:195-203. [PMID: 31294809 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibz105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The emerging era of precision medicine (PM) holds great promise for patient care by considering individual, environmental, and lifestyle factors to optimize treatment. Context is centrally important to PM, yet, to date, little attention has been given to the unique context of religion and spirituality (R/S) and their applicability to PM. R/S can support and reinforce health beliefs and behaviors that affect health outcomes. The purpose of this article is to discuss how R/S can be considered in PM at multiple levels of context and recommend strategies for integrating R/S in PM. We conducted a descriptive, integrative literature review of R/S at the individual, institutional, and societal levels, with the aim of focusing on R/S factors with a high level of salience to PM. We discuss the utility of considering R/S in the suitability and uptake of PM prevention and treatment strategies by providing specific examples of how R/S influences health beliefs and practices at each level. We also propose future directions in research and practice to foster greater understanding and integration of R/S to enhance the acceptability and patient responsiveness of PM research approaches and clinical practices. Elucidating the context of R/S and its value to PM can advance efforts toward a more whole-person and patient-centered approach to improve individual and population health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Chungyi Chiu
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Qian Lu
- University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Crystal Y Lumpkins
- School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | | | | | | | - Megan J Shen
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, NY, USA
| | | | - Betina Yanez
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jean Yi
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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11
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Berkley-Patton J, Bowe Thompson C, Bauer AG, Berman M, Bradley-Ewing A, Goggin K, Catley D, Allsworth JE. A Multilevel Diabetes and CVD Risk Reduction Intervention in African American Churches: Project Faith Influencing Transformation (FIT) Feasibility and Outcomes. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2020; 7:1160-1171. [PMID: 32329033 PMCID: PMC7581562 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-020-00740-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Wide-reaching health promotion interventions are needed in influential, accessible community settings to address African American (AA) diabetes and CVD disparities. Most AAs are overweight/obese, which is a primary clinical risk factor for diabetes/CVD. Using a faith-community-engaged approach, this study examined feasibility and outcomes of Project Faith Influencing Transformation (FIT), a diabetes/CVD screening, prevention, and linkage to care pilot intervention to increase weight loss in AA church-populations at 8 months. Six churches were matched and randomized to multilevel FIT intervention or standard education control arms. Key multilevel religiously tailored FIT intervention components included: (a) individual self-help materials (e.g., risk checklists, pledge cards); (b) YMCA-facilitated weekly group Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) weight loss classes; (c) church service activities (e.g., sermons, responsive readings); and (d) church-community text/voice messages to promote healthy eating and physical activity. Health screenings (e.g., weight, blood pressure, blood glucose) were held during church services to identify participants with diabetes/CVD risks and refer them to their church's DPP class and linkage to care services. Participants (N = 352 church members and community members using churches' outreach ministries) were primarily female (67%) and overweight/obese (87%). Overall, FIT intervention participants were significantly more likely to achieve a > 5 lb weight loss (OR = 1.6; CI = 1.24, 2.01) than controls. Odds of intervention FIT-DPP participants achieving a > 5 lb weight loss were 3.6 times more than controls (p < .07). Exposure to sermons, text/email messages, brochures, commitment cards, and posters was significantly related to > 5 lb. weight loss. AA churches can feasibly assist in increasing reach and impact of diabetes/CVD risk reduction interventions with intensive weight loss components among at risk AA church-populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannette Berkley-Patton
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, School of Medicine, and Psychology Department, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2411 Holmes Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA.
| | - Carole Bowe Thompson
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Alexandria G Bauer
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, School of Medicine, and Psychology Department, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2411 Holmes Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Marcie Berman
- The Institute for Community Research, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Andrea Bradley-Ewing
- Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Kathy Goggin
- Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children's Mercy Kansas City; Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Delwyn Catley
- Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles & Nutrition, Children's Mercy Kansas City; Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Jenifer E Allsworth
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
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Denominational and Gender Differences in Hypertension Among African American Christian Young Adults. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2020; 8:1332-1343. [PMID: 33067763 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-020-00895-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension, a major cardiovascular disease risk factor, is disproportionately prevalent among African American young adults. Religion and spirituality (R/S) have been studied for their potential effect on blood pressure (BP) outcomes. Despite their disproportionate hypertension risk and high levels of R/S engagement, limited research explores BP differences among religious African Americans. This study investigates whether denominational affiliation predicts within-group differences in odds of having hypertension among African American Christian young adults. Data from Wave IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) were used to examine hypertension differences between 1932 African American young adults based on self-reported religious denomination. Gender-separated logistic regressions included religious service attendance and coping measures, as well as personal characteristics and health behaviors to adjust for potential effects on BP. The odds of having hypertension were higher for Pentecostal women compared to Baptist and Catholic women. Hypertension odds for women who reported attending services more than once weekly were lower than those who never attended church. For women, frequent use of religious coping predicted higher odds of having hypertension than seldom or never using religious coping. R/S variables did not predict significant differences among men. The health benefits of R/S do not appear to be consistent within African American Christian young adults. Religion may be viewed as a source of BP risk and resilience, especially among African American young women.
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Husbands W, Nakamwa J, Tharao W, Greenspan N, Calzavara L, Sathiyamoorthy T, Muchenje-Marisa M, Arnold K, Browne O, Kerr J. Love, Judgement and HIV: Congregants' Perspectives on an Intervention for Black Churches to Promote Critical Awareness of HIV Affecting Black Canadians. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2020; 8:507-518. [PMID: 32656731 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-020-00808-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We assess participants' experience of Black Pastors Raising Awareness and Insight of Stigma through Engagement (Black PRAISE), an intervention for Black churches to promote critical awareness of HIV affecting Black Canadian communities. We used a community-based participatory approach to implement Black PRAISE among six churches in the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa, in October-November 2016. For the intervention, congregants received a booklet with validated HIV-related information, attended a sermon on compassion and justice, viewed a short film on HIV-related stigma, and completed baseline and follow-up surveys to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. We then conducted in-depth interviews with 18 pastors and congregants from the six churches to explore how they experienced the intervention. Three major themes emerged from an iterative exploration of the thematic content of the interviews: the beneficial impact of the intervention; reconciling the moral and theological issues of their faith with the social reality of HIV and stigma; and perspectives on future stigma reduction efforts. Participants spoke approvingly about Black PRAISE and supported stigma reduction but acknowledged uncertainties about their capacity to actualise their commitment. The main overarching lessons from Black PRAISE are as follows: first, our results support a community-based participatory approach to productively engaging Black congregations in stigma reduction and health promotion; second, promising or successful interventions incorporate multiple components to promote critical awareness about the specific health issue for Black life and wellbeing; and third, interventions are more likely to succeed if they support critical reflection on the underlying conceptual issues, implicit assumptions and belief systems among the professional and lay stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winston Husbands
- Ontario HIV Treatment Network, Toronto, ON, M4T 1X3, Canada.
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada.
| | | | - Wangari Tharao
- Women's Health in Women's Hands Community Health Centre, Toronto, ON, M5B 1J3, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Keresa Arnold
- African and Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario, Toronto, ON, M5C 2N8, Canada
| | | | - Jelani Kerr
- University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
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Bernhart JA, Dunn CG, Wilcox S, Saunders RP, Sharpe PA, Stucker J. Church leaders' barriers and facilitators before and after implementing a physical activity and nutrition intervention. HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH 2019; 34:188-199. [PMID: 30601982 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyy051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Faith-based health promotion programs have been effective in increasing healthy eating (HE) and physical activity (PA). Very few reports exist regarding church leaders' anticipated and experienced barriers and facilitators to program implementation. Pastors (n = 38, 70%) and program coordinators (n = 54, 100%) from churches (N = 54) who attended a program training answered open-ended questions about anticipated barriers and facilitators to implementing the HE and PA parts of the Faith, Activity, and Nutrition (FAN) program. Twelve months later, pastors (n = 49, 92%) and coordinators (n = 53, 98%) answered analogous questions about their experienced barriers and facilitators to implementing the HE and PA parts of the FAN program. Responses were coded using thematic analysis. Similar themes appeared at baseline and follow-up for anticipated and experienced barriers and facilitators. The most common barriers were no anticipated barriers, resistance to change, church characteristics, and lack of participation/motivation. The most common facilitators were internal support, leadership, and communication. Few differences were found between anticipated and experienced barriers and facilitators. Understanding these perspectives, particularly overcoming resistance to change and church characteristics through strong leadership and internal support from church leaders, will improve future program development, resources, and technical assistance in faith-based and non-faith-based communities alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Bernhart
- Prevention Research Center, University of South Carolina
- Department of Exercise Science
| | - C G Dunn
- Prevention Research Center, University of South Carolina
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - S Wilcox
- Prevention Research Center, University of South Carolina
- Department of Exercise Science
| | - R P Saunders
- Prevention Research Center, University of South Carolina
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - P A Sharpe
- Prevention Research Center, University of South Carolina
| | - J Stucker
- Prevention Research Center, University of South Carolina
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Pullins CT, Seele PC, White RO, Willis FB, Poole K, Albertie ML, Chamie C, Allen AM, Kelly M, Penheiter S, Buras MR, Brewer LC. Health Behaviors and Preventive Healthcare Utilization Among African-American Attendees at a Faith-Based Public Health Conference: Healthy Churches 2020. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2018; 57:2538-2551. [PMID: 29995232 PMCID: PMC7249222 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-018-0667-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Unhealthy eating habits and physical inactivity along with lack of access to quality healthcare contribute to the marked health disparities in chronic diseases among African-Americans. Faith-based public health conferences offer a potential opportunity to improve health literacy and change health behaviors through health promotion within this population, thereby reducing health disparities. This study examined the self-reported health behaviors and preventive healthcare utilization patterns of 77 participants at a predominantly African-American faith-based public health conference, Healthy Churches 2020. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a sample of attendees to assess their health behaviors (diet and physical activity), preventive healthcare utilization (annual healthcare provider visits), and health-promoting activities at their places of worship. The results indicate that attendees of a faith-based public health conference have adequate preventive healthcare utilization, but suboptimal healthy behaviors. Our findings support the need for ongoing health-promoting activities with an emphasis on diet and physical activity among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Richard O White
- Department of Community Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Floyd B Willis
- Department of Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Kenneth Poole
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Monica L Albertie
- Clinical Studies Unit, Health Disparities, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Chara Chamie
- Research Service, Health Disparities, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Angela M Allen
- College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Marion Kelly
- Divison of Community Relations, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Sumedha Penheiter
- Office of Health Disparities Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Matthew R Buras
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - LaPrincess C Brewer
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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Shapiro E. Places of Habits and Hearts: Church Attendance and Latino Immigrant Health Behaviors in the United States. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2018; 5:1328-1336. [PMID: 29549652 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-018-0481-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In general, church attendance can be associated with improved health behaviors and fewer related chronic diseases, suggesting a potential opportunity to counteract worsening health behaviors among some immigrants and thereby reduce health disparities. There is a paucity of research, however, on the relationship between religious involvement and immigrants' health behaviors and whether it varies by host or home country context. AIM To examine the relationship between religious involvement, measured by church attendance, with health behaviors among Latino immigrants in the United States (U.S.) and to compare the relationship of home and host country attendance with these behaviors. METHODS Data from the randomized New Immigrant Survey, including over 1200 immigrants to the U.S. from Mexico and Central America, were analyzed. Health measures included smoking, binge drinking, physical activity, and obesity. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using measures of church attendance and ethnic/immigrant characteristics as well as other demographic and health care factors. Separate models were constructed for each behavior. RESULTS An association was found between U.S. church attendance and less smoking, less drinking, and greater physical activity but not with obesity. Threshold effects were found. However, almost no associations were found between health behaviors and home country church attendance. CONCLUSION The context in which people live warrants increased attention for successful health promotion initiatives for immigrant populations. The social, psychological, and religious resources in immigrant communities can be leveraged to potentially counteract worsening of chronic disease-related health behaviors of Latino immigrants in the U.S., thereby reducing health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ephraim Shapiro
- Department of Health Management, Ariel University, 4 Kiryat Hamada, 40700, Ariel, Israel.
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Srivastava G, Palmer KD, Ireland KA, McCarthy AC, Donovan KE, Manders AJ, McDougal J, Lenders CM, Apovian CM. Shape-Up and Eat Right Families Pilot Program: Feasibility of a Weight Management Shared Medical Appointment Model in African-Americans With Obesity at an Urban Academic Medical Center. Front Pediatr 2018; 6:101. [PMID: 29707530 PMCID: PMC5906543 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2018.00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Disparities in obesity care exist among African-American children and adults. We sought to test the feasibility of a pilot program, a 1-year family-based intervention for African-American families with obesity [shape up and eat right (SUPER)], adopting the shared medical appointment model (SMA) at an urban safety net hospital. OUTCOMES Primary outcomes: (1) family attendance rate and (2) program satisfaction. Secondary outcomes: change in body mass index (BMI), eating behaviors, and sedentary activity. METHODS Adult parents (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) ≥18 years and their child(ren) (BMI ≥ 85th percentile) ages 6-12 years from adult or pediatric weight management clinics were recruited. One group visit per month (n = 12) consisting of a nutrition and exercise component was led by a nurse practitioner and registered dietitian. Height and weight were recorded during each visit. Participants were queried on program satisfaction, food logs and exercise journals, Food Stamp Program's Food Behavior, and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program food checklists. RESULTS Thirteen participants from lower socioeconomic zip codes consented [n = 5 mothers mean age 33 years, BMI of 47.4 kg/m2 (31.4-73.6 kg/m2); n = 8 children; mean age 9 years, BMI of 97.6th percentile (94-99th percentile); 60% enrolled in state Medicaid]. Average individual attendance was 23.4% (14-43%; n = 13); monthly session attendance rates declined from 100 to 40% by program completion; two families completed the program in entirety. Program was rated (n = 5 adults) very satisfactory (40%) and extremely satisfactory (60%). Pre-intervention, families rated their eating habits as fair and reported consuming sugar-sweetened beverages or sports drinks, more so than watching more than 1 h of television (p < 0.002) or video game/computer activity (p < 0.006) and consuming carbonated sodas (p < 0.004). Post-intervention, reducing salt intake was the only statistically significant variable (p < 0.029), while children watched fewer hours of television and spent less time playing video games (from average 2 to 3 h daily; p < 0.03). CONCLUSION Attendance was lower than expected though children seemed to decrease screen time and the program was rated satisfactory. Reported socioeconomic barriers precluded families from attending most sessions. Future reiterations of the intervention could be enhanced with community engagement strategies to increase participant retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gitanjali Srivastava
- Nutrition and Weight Management Research Center, Boston Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and Weight Management, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kenya D Palmer
- Nutrition and Weight Management Research Center, Boston Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and Weight Management, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kathy A Ireland
- Nutrition and Fitness for Life Program, Boston Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ashley C McCarthy
- Nutrition and Weight Management Research Center, Boston Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and Weight Management, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kate E Donovan
- Nutrition and Fitness for Life Program, Boston Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Aaron J Manders
- Nutrition and Fitness for Life Program, Boston Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Juhee McDougal
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Carine M Lenders
- Nutrition and Fitness for Life Program, Boston Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Caroline M Apovian
- Nutrition and Weight Management Research Center, Boston Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and Weight Management, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
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