Role of African American Churches in Cancer Prevention Services
Abstract
The goal of the research is to explore denominational differences in doctrine related to preventive health, specifically, prostate cancer, and to determine the capacity of churches to engage in prostate health promotion. The research is being conducted in three phases: Phase I included selection of predominantly African American denominations to participate in the research, formation of a steering committee to guide the research activities, collection of literature, and the completion of in-depth interview with ministers from each of the denominations. In Phase II, a mail survey, will be sent to randomly selected ministers to assess the current prostate cancer-related activities engaged in by the ministers and their churches, the acceptability of a wide range of activities and prostate cancer messages/materials that might be integrated into sermons or other channels of communication. During Phase III, tailored prevention messages will be developed and disseminated. To the extent that messages are made compatible with men's religious beliefs and offered by a source that has credibility with them (e.g., their minister), they are likely to have an influence on their prostate health behaviors. This research has the potential benefit of providing templates for sermon development, congregation counseling and health promotion programs that are denominational-specific and can be tailored for use by other local church bodies. Involving church organizations at national and regional levels in development and implementation of public health research helps to forge new relationships at a macro level and increase the application of the findings and, thus, the chances of well-sustained programs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADB254429
Entities
People
- Janice V. Bowie
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University