Perceptions of Health Promotion and Maintenance Among Latinos in Faith Communities

Identifying community needs of the Hispanic faith community to develop a research agenda

Objective

To conduct a community health needs assessment among the Hispanic faith community population to develop a community‐partnered research agenda.

Design

A cross‐sectional design was used to conduct a community needs assessment using a community‐based participatory research approach

Sample

Hispanic faith community members in Central Arkansas.

Measurement

Data collection was led by Hispanic faith leaders using an audience response system at places of worship. An 88‐item Community Health Needs Assessment survey was used that included demographic questions and questions related to five domains including community concerns, community resources, healthcare access, health concerns, and hunger and nutrition.

Results

There were a total of 100 participants in the community needs assessment. Hunger and nutrition was the highest ranking community concern followed by healthcare access.

Conclusion

Based upon the results of the study, the university researchers and Hispanic faith community members have begun the initial steps to developing a research agenda to address the major concerns of the community.