174758 Data Collection/Data Distribution Center: Building a sustainable African-American church-based research network

Tuesday, October 28, 2008: 8:50 AM

Moses V. Goldmon, EdD , Shaw University, Raleigh, NC
James Roberson, PhD , Shaw University Divinity School, Shaw University, Raleigh, NC
Carlton Boyd, MPH , Institute for Health, Social, and Community Research, Shaw University, Raleigh, NC
Alice Ammerman, DrPH, RD , Nutrition, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
Giselle Corbie-Smith, MD, MSc , TraCS Community Engagement Core, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
Timothy S. Carey, MD, MPH , Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
Daniel L. Howard, PhD , Institute for Health, Social and Community Research, Shaw University, Raleigh, NC
Paul A. Godley, MD, PhD , Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
  
Background: Racial and ethnic health disparities remain a major challenge to the American health care system society. Involving African-American churches in partnerships that include health care providers, researchers, educators and representatives of populations that are disproportionately affected could help to successfully address health disparities. We developed the Data Collection/Data Distribution Center (DC2) to test the feasibility of engaging Black churches in research efforts aimed at eliminating health disparities. Methods: Churches were categorized into four geographical regions. Churches were selected and recruited into the network based on church location, pastoral buy-in, and church capacity to engage in health-related activities. Results: Over 3,800 predominately Black churches in North Carolina have been enumerated in a database. Eighteen (18) churches have signed covenant agreements to participate in the (DC2) network. Churches received computers, access to information about education and research activities of other network members and assistance with expansion of their health ministries. Conclusions: The development of a sustainable network of churches willing to engage in health disparities research and intervention activities is a promising method that could lead to successful efforts toward the elimination of health disparities and related problems. Designing and implementing effective recruitment strategies is a critical first step

Learning Objectives:
Describe the facilitators and barriers developing a Black church-based research network. Explore the sampling and recruitment strategies used, barriers encountered, and steps taken to address challenges associated with establishing the Data Collection/Data Distribution Center (DC2) network. Explain the components of a faith-based research network infrastructure.

Keywords: African American, Faith Community

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the lead author for the manuscript titled: The Data Collection/Data Distribution Center: Building a sustainable African-American church-based research network, engaged and recruited partner churches, and faciliated the collaborative relationship between partnering unversities (The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Shaw University)
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Addressing the challenge of faith-based health promotion
See more of: Caucus on Public Health and the Faith Community