Key Elements for Church‐Based Health Promotion Programs: Outcome‐Based Literature Review

Abstract

Although not a new concept, church-based health promotion programs have yet to be widely researched. Few of the initial studies used randomized and controlled designs. Dissemination of study results has been sporadic, with findings often reported in church periodicals. A renewed interest in church-based health promotion programs (CBHPP) is emerging. The purpose of this article is to propose seven key elements found in a literature review to be beneficial in establishing church-based community health promotion programs that demonstrated desired health promotion outcomes. Based on the outcomes of successful CBHPP, the following key elements have been identified: partnerships, positive health values, availability of services, access to church facilities, community-focused interventions, health behavior change, and supportive social relationships. An example of one program that embodies these elements is presented. The Heart and Soul Program, designed to increase physical activity in midlife women to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease with advancing age, is discussed within the context of the elements for successful church-based programs. CBHPP have effectively promoted health behaviors within certain communities. To promote health and wellness in light of our diverse society and health needs, health promotion professionals and churches can be dynamic partners.

In-home firearm access among US adolescents and the role of religious subculture: Results from a nationally representative study

“…Previous studies have found that congregation-sponsored health programming can be valuable in serving vulnerable groups (Campbell et al 2007;Peterson, Atwood, and Yates 2002;Adamczyk and Felson 2012;Trinitapoli, Ellison, and Boardman 2009). In particular, parental education 17 Evangelical inclinations are also diffusing within a number of Mainline Protestant denominations (Ellingson 2007).…”

Short Term outcomes of a Faith-based Obesity Attenuation and Prevention Program for Low Income African American Children: CHHIL Feasibility and Efficacy Study

“…The AA church has been a community resource that can help address areas of health disparity for its members [10,11]. Given the strong identification with religion as a social support mechanism, and its importance in the everyday lives of AAs, it follows that health interventions incorporating spiritual and cultural contextualization have been effective [10][11][12].…”

“…Given the strong identification with religion as a social support mechanism, and its importance in the everyday lives of AAs, it follows that health interventions incorporating spiritual and cultural contextualization have been effective [10][11][12]. Health promotion interventions conducted in faith communities provide a promising opportunity to enhance emotional, physical and spiritual health.…”

Government support for faith-based organizations: the case of a development programme for faith leaders

“…The potential of faith leaders in strengthening community cohesion, especially in the context of inter-faith collaboration, is another possibility (DCLG 2007a;Harris and Young, 2009). In addition, working in and through places of worship may provide an opportunity to engage with 'hard-to-reach' communities on issues of concern to public bodies -for example, health promotion (see, eg, Peterson et al, 2002). …”