Enhancing capacity among faith-based organizations to implement evidence-based cancer control programs: a community-engaged approach

Abstract

Evidence-based interventions (EBIs) to promote cancer control among Latinos have proliferated in recent years, though adoption and implementation of these interventions by faith-based organizations (FBOs) is limited. Capacity building may be one strategy to promote implementation. In this qualitative study, 18 community key informants were interviewed to (a) understand existing capacity for health programming among Catholic parishes, (b) characterize parishes' resource gaps and capacity-building needs implementing cancer control EBIs, and (c) elucidate strategies for delivering capacity-building assistance to parishes to facilitate implementation of EBIs. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted. Key informants concurred about the capacity of Catholic parishes to deliver health programs, and described attributes of parishes that make them strong partners in health promotion initiatives, including a mission to address physical and mental health, outreach to marginalized groups, altruism among members, and existing engagement in health programming. However, resource gaps and capacity building needs were also identified. Specific recommendations participants made about how existing resources might be leveraged to address challenges include to: establish parish wellness committees; provide "hands-on" learning opportunities for parishioners to gain program planning skills; offer continuous, tailored, on-site technical assistance; facilitate relationships between parishes and community resources; and provide financial support for parishes. Leveraging parishes' existing resources and addressing their implementation needs may improve adoption of cancer control EBIs.

Examining the external validity of the CRUZA study, a randomized trial to promote implementation of evidence-based cancer control programs by faith-based organizations

“…Unfortunately, the NCS data were not analyzed by denomination, so we are not able to directly compare our findings with that national sample. However, our finding of high scores on scores for "innovation values/fit" suggests that these Catholic parishes perceive health programming as part of their mission [58]. Regardless, while FBOs as a whole may have a predilection for health programming, the low actual implementation of health programs suggests that there may be barriers preventing churches from enacting programs.…”

“…For example, organizations with low levels of change commitment could receive additional support, resources, and capacity building as needed. The latter approach is consistent with an "assets"based approach that acknowledges that the capacity and resources for implementation of EBIs vary widely across organizations and community settings [58,59].…”

“…Regardless, while FBOs as a whole may have a predilection for health programming, the low actual implementation of health programs suggests that there may be barriers preventing churches from enacting programs. Our prior qualitative research identified a number of obstacles and resource gaps preventing parishes from implementation cancer control EBIs, ranging from inadequate time and knowledge to lack of financial resources and volunteer personnel [58]. These gaps may indicate a need for interventions to enhance the capacity and resources of FBOs to adopt and implement, EBIs.…”

Identifying barriers, facilitators, and implementation strategies for a faith-based physical activity program

“…As noted by Leyva and colleagues, capacity building of church leaders and staff would help support adoption and implementation of health promotion programs in faith-based settings. 82…”

Opportunities and challenges in conducting community-engaged dissemination/implementation research

“…While this instrument shows strength as a practical tool for use in farmers' market interventions, as with many D&I measures, a challenge to broader utility lies in its context specificity. Capacity of faith-based organizations to implement cancer screening was discussed in the article by Leyva [24] and colleagues, who present results from a qualitative study that explored the ability of Catholic parishes to integrate evidence-based cancer control interventions to meet the needs of the community. The article presents the need to utilize existing resources and build skills among parishioners toward better implementation.…”