A Systematic Review of Promising Strategies of Faith-Based Cancer Education and Lifestyle Interventions Among Racial/Ethnic Minority Groups

Abstract

Church-based interventions have been used to reach racial/ethnic minorities. In order to develop effective programs, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review of faith-based cancer prevention studies (2005~2016) to examine characteristics and promising strategies. Combination terms "church or faith-based or religion," "intervention or program," and "cancer education or lifestyle" were used in searching the five major databases: CINAHL; ERIC; Health Technology Assessments; MEDLINE; and PsycInfo. A total of 20 studies met study criteria. CDC's Community Guide was used to analyze and review group interventions. Analyses were organized by two racial groups: African American (AA) and Latino/Hispanic American groups. Results showed most studies reviewed focused on breast cancer alone or in combination with other cancers. Studies of Latino/Hispanic groups targeted more on uninsured, Medicare, or Medicaid individuals, whereas AA studies generally did not include specific insurance criteria. The sample sizes of the AA studies were generally larger. The majority of these studies reviewed used pre-post, posttest only with control group, or quasi-experience designs. The Health Belief Model was the most commonly used theory in both groups. Community-based participatory research and empowerment/ecological frameworks were also used frequently in the Latino/Hispanic studies. Small media and group education were the top two most popular intervention strategies in both groups. Although one-on-one strategy was used in some Latino studies, neither group used reducing client out-of-pocket costs strategy. Client reminders could also be used more in both groups as well. Current review showed church-based cancer education programs were effective in changing knowledge, but not always screening utilization. Results show faith-based cancer educational interventions are promising. To maximize intervention impact, future studies might consider using stronger study designs, incorporating a variety of proven effective strategies, including those frequently used evidence-based strategies, as well as exploring promising strategies among specific target groups.

Feelings and difficulties experienced by cancer patients along the diagnostic and therapeutic itineraries

“…A review study pointed out that health education programs on fighting cancer developed in partnership with the church produced a positive impact. 24 Among difficulties experienced throughout the therapeutic itinerary, side effects were manifested: tiredness produced by Feelings and difficulties experienced by cancer patients Teston EF, Fukumori EFC, Benedetti GMS, Spigolon DN, Costa MAR, Marcon SS the transfer to treatment development; the long waits to return home; the feeding need during the period they are outside of the hosue for treatment, and lack of finantial condition to finance it; rotuine alteration by the constant need of being present in health services and the continuous exposion to invasive procedures.…”

Understanding Women’s Perspectives on Breast Cancer is essential for cancer control: Knowledge, Risk Awareness, and Care-seeking in Mwanza, Tanzania

“…When developing health education programs it is important to target groups that both need education and can share and disseminate knowledge to peers and other community members (41,42). Religious outreach campaigns can utilize the community aspect of religion to target and recruit participants (43). In addition, several studies have acknowledged the impact of religion on breast cancer control, and suggest incorporating a component of religion when developing health education programs (44,45).…”

The role of dissemination and implementation science in global breast cancer control programs: Frameworks, methods, and examples

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