Leading God’s People: Perceptions of Influence Among African–American Pastors

et al. 2020

Implement Sci Commun

Background: Community engagement is critical to the acceleration of evidence-based interventions into community settings. Harnessing the knowledge and opinions of community leaders increases the likelihood of successful implementation, scale-up, and sustainment of evidence-based interventions. Faith in Action (Fe en Acción) is an evidence-based promotora-led physical activity program designed to increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among churchgoing Latina women. Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) at various Catholic and Protestant churches with large Latino membership in San Diego County, California to explore barriers and facilitators to implementation of Faith in Action and identify promising implementation strategies for program scale-up and dissemination. We interviewed 22 pastors and church staff and analyzed transcripts using an iterative-deductive team approach. Results: Pastors and church staff described barriers and facilitators to implementation within three domains of CFIR: characteristics of individuals (lack of self-efficacy for and knowledge of physical activity; influence on churchgoers' behaviors), inner setting (church culture and norms, alignment with mission and values, competing priorities, lack of resources), and outer setting (need for buy-in from senior leadership). From the interviews, we identified four promising implementation strategies for the scale-up of faith-based health promotion programs: (1) health behavior change training for pastors and staff, (2) tailored messaging, (3) developing community collaborations, and (4) gaining denominational support. Conclusions: While churches can serve as valuable partners in health promotion, specific barriers and facilitators to implementation must be recognized and understood. Addressing these barriers through targeted implementation strategies at the adopter and organizational level can facilitate improved program implementation and lead the way for scale-up and dissemination.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

et al. 2020

Implement Sci Commun

“…In all religious denominations, pastors are role models and play a critical role in defining the characteristics of church life. 74,75 Maton found that church groups with capable leaders reported positive group assessments and well-being, and that pastors influence attendees' commitment and perceived social support. 76 Increasing the self-efficacy of leaders to engage in PA and providing education on the benefits of PA could empower leaders to promote PA and create wellness policies in their congregation.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

et al. 2020

Preprint

Background: Community engagement is critical to the acceleration of evidence-based interventions into community settings. Harnessing the knowledge and opinions of community leaders increases the likelihood of successful implementation, scale up, and sustainment of evidence-based interventions. Faith in Action (Fe en Acción) is an evidence-based promotora-led physical activity program designed to increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among churchgoing Latina women.Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) at various Catholic and Protestant churches with large Latino membership in San Diego County, California to explore barriers and facilitators to implementation of Faith in Action and identify promising implementation strategies for program scale-up and dissemination. We interviewed 22 pastors and church staff and analyzed transcripts using an iterative-deductive team approach. Results: Pastors and church staff described barriers and facilitators to implementation within three domains of CFIR: characteristics of individuals (lack of self-efficacy for and knowledge of physical activity; influence on churchgoers’ behaviors), inner setting (church culture and norms, alignment with mission and values, competing priorities, lack of resources), and outer setting (need for buy-in from senior leadership). From the interviews, we identified four promising implementation strategies for the scale-up of faith-based health promotion programs: 1) health behavior change training for pastors and staff; 2) tailored messaging; 3) developing community collaborations; and 4) gaining denominational support.Conclusions: While churches can serve as valuable partners in health promotion, specific barriers and facilitators to implementation must be recognized and understood. Addressing these barriers through targeted implementation strategies at the adopter and organizational level can facilitate improved program implementation and lead the way for scale-up and dissemination.

“…In all religious denominations, pastors are role models and play a critical role in defining the characteristics of church life. 64,65 Maton found that church groups with capable leaders reported positive group assessments and well-being and that pastors influence attendees' commitment and perceived social support. 66 Increasing the self-efficacy of leaders to engage in PA and providing education on the benefits of PA could empower leaders to promote PA and create wellness policies in their congregation.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Engaging stakeholders to identify implementation strategies for a faith-based physical activity program

et al. 2020

Preprint

Background: Stakeholder engagement is critical to the acceleration of evidence-based interventions into community settings. Harnessing the knowledge and opinions of community stakeholders increases the likelihood of successful implementation, scale up, and sustainment of evidence-based interventions. Faith in Action ( Fe en Acción ) is an evidence-based promotora -led physical activity program designed to increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among churchgoing Latina women.Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) at various Catholic and Protestant churches with large Latino membership in San Diego County, California to explore barriers and facilitators to implementation of a Faith in Action and to identify promising implementation strategies for program scale-up and dissemination. We interviewed 22 pastors and church staff and analyzed transcripts using an iterative-deductive team approach.Results: Stakeholders described barriers and facilitators to implementation within three domains of CFIR: characteristics of individuals (lack of self-efficacy for and knowledge of PA; influence on churchgoers’ behaviors), inner setting (church culture and norms, alignment with mission and values, competing priorities, lack of resources), and outer setting (need for buy-in from senior leadership). From the interviews, we identified four promising implementation strategies for the scale-up of faith-based health promotion programs: 1) health behavior change training for pastors and staff; 2) tailored messaging; 3) developing community collaborations; and 4) gaining denominational support.Conclusions: While churches can serve as valuable partners in health promotion, specific barriers and facilitators to implementation must be recognized and understood. Addressing these barriers through targeted implementation strategies at the adopter and organizational level can facilitate improved program implementation and lead the way for scale-up and dissemination.