The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #60816

Cheryl L. Holt, PhD and Laura Lewellyn Kelhoffer, MA. Health Communication Research Laboratory, School of Public Health, Saint Louis University, 3545 Lafayette Ave., Salus Center, Rm. 401, St. Louis, MO 63104

This qualitative study examined the religiosity-health association among African Americans, with particular attention to exploring the perceived effect of specific determinants. We conducted forty, semi-structured interviews across seven predominately African American churches of different Christian denominations. Our participants included 7 pastors and 7 key-members of 7 different churches of different denominations, 23 church-member volunteers, 3 health professionals, and 3 university professors. Participants were asked to describe the religiosity-health association in their own terms, and how their beliefs and practices impact their health. They were also asked about specific mechanisms proposed in this literature, such as the social support and stress buffering functions of church. Respondents spontaneously mentioned the efficacy of these two mechanisms, as well as the scriptural influence on lifestyle and health-related behaviors. These determinants hold significant promise for integration into church-based health-related intervention outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to:
• Describe the determinants within religiosity that impact health;
• Explain why spiritually-based interventions hold promise for African American communities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.