A Qualitative Evaluation of a Faith-Based Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Intervention for African American Women

Abstract

This article presents a formative evaluation of a CDC Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) 2010 faith-based breast and cervical cancer early detection and prevention intervention for African American women living in urban communities. Focus groups were conducted with a sample of women (N=94) recruited from each church participating in the intervention. One focus group was conducted in each of the nine participating churches following completion of the 6-month REACH 2010 intervention. Transcribed data were coded to identify relevant themes. Key findings included (a) the acceptability of receiving cancer education within the context of a faith community, (b) the importance of pastoral input, (c) the effectiveness of personal testimonies and lay health advocates, (d) the saliency of biblical scripture in reinforcing health messages, (e) the effectiveness of multimodal learning aids, and (f) the relationship between cervical cancer and social stigma. Study findings have implications for enhancing faith-based breast and cervical cancer prevention efforts in African American communities.

“She Told Them, Oh That Bitch Got AIDS”: Experiences of Multilevel HIV/AIDS-Related Stigma Among African American Women Living with HIV/AIDS in the South

“…37 More recently, churches have served as important centers for health promotion interventions. 38,39 Although faith-based interventions for HIV prevention and education have been shown to be feasible and effective in African American churches, 33,40 existing HIV/AIDS stigma has been reported as a barrier to HIV program implementation. 41 Coleman et al argue that pastors and church leaders can play a crucial role in mediating the church environment in a way that promotes empathy and acceptance of HIV.…”

Older Adults' Perspectives on HIV/AIDS Prevention Strategies for Rural Kenya

“…was this attitude or belief held by other members in the same focus group?) (Mathews, Berrios, Darnell, & Calhoun, 2006). Both authors also checked transcripts alongside recorded tapes several times for accuracy before coding to identify the emerging themes and for greater reliability and validity of data (Lincoln & Guba, 1985).…”

HIV/AIDS Stigma and Religiosity Among African American Women

“…Studies have examined the association between religiosity and the reduced risk of illnesses such as cancer and hypertension, statistically associating religious values and beliefs with protective factors against these diseases and increasing the median survival time significantly (e.g., Aldridge, 2000;Calderón, 1997;Kaplan, Calman, Golub, Raddock, & Billing, 2006;Mathews, Berrios, Darnell, & Calhoun, 2006;Woods & Ironson, 1999). Other studies have shown a reduced mortality among people who regularly attend church services (Ironson, Stuetzle, & Fletcher, 2006).…”