Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #113002

Precilla Lorene Belin, PhD, MA, CHES, Kim Dobson Sydnor, PhD, and Robert Jagers, PhD. Public Health Program, Morgan State University, Jenkins Bldg. 343, 1700 East Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251, 443-885-4144, pbelin@jewel.morgan.edu

Historically, the African American church has served a central role in promoting the well-being of its members. The influence that Pastors and leaders have on attendees can be seen throughought this country. From voter's registration to health screenings, the number of African American participants increases when clergy is involved. However, due to the limited knowledge concerning health promotion and best practices within the Black church, the number of health related issues have steadily increased. Faculty and practitioners conducting research with churches must be sensitive to their needs. Also, church leadership must be informed about the strengths and challenges facing members in order for the church to maintain its traditional relevance. This presentation will provide data analyses of a study conducted with an inner city church in Baltimore, Maryland to assess the physical and mental health status and needs of the congregation to assist the church leadership in developing and implementing needed programs and services. The study included a sample size of 600 adult members who were recruited utilizing the church's multi-media channels (broadcast, newsletter, and pulpit announcements). Subjects completed a self-administered pencil and paper questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed physical health, mental health, social health, stress, spirituality, substance use, church participation, and demographic information (age, gender, income, and education). Findings and recommendations were presented to the Pastor and leadership team, a church wide health seminar was conducted, and a community-based participatory research project involving the same church will be developed, implemented, and evaluated.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant in this session will be able to

(
• Articulate the procedures for assessing the physical and mental health status and needs of members of an African American Church. (
• Understand the importance of developing and implementing effective health promotion programs in African American Churches. (
• Understand how study results can be utilized to assist church leadership in designing and implementing needed health programs and services. (
• List lessons learned from conducting a research study with an inner city "mega church".

Keywords: Underserved Populations,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commertial supporters WITH THE EXCEPTION OF The presenter is a member of the partnering church for the study.

Recorded presentation