CBPR: Evaluation of Faith-Based Health Promotion Interventions

Faith-based organizations are increasingly common settings in which to conduct health promotion programs. Although growing evidence supports the efficacy of faith-based health interventions, less is known about the effectiveness of such interventions under real-world conditions. LiveWell Greenville’s (LWG) At Worship project utilizes a community-based participatory research (CBPR) framework to support faith communities in policy and environmental changes aimed at helping members achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Between August of 2013 and June of 2015, seven congregations (590 respondents) will have completed a 1-year congregation-led health promotion intervention. Congregations utilize baseline survey results on congregants’ health beliefs, practices and conditions to develop tailored health promotion programs with guidance from LWG technical staff. Baseline and follow-up surveys are administered during the primary weekly service for each congregation. Analyses include chi-square tests and t-tests to evaluate changes in individual health beliefs, practices and conditions.

Respondents were primarily African American, female and over 45 years old. Preliminary analyses with a sample of 173 respondents from two congregations found significant changes (p<0.05) in nutrition and physical activity behaviors and reported health conditions. Specifically, respondents reported increased motivation for exercise and regular participation in physical activity (dance class, gym and home exercise), decreased regular offerings of fried foods, chips, baked goods, sweets and sodas at church events, and decreased diagnosis of high blood pressure. Final analyses will include follow-up data from the remaining five congregations.

Preliminary results suggest that tailoring a faith-based health promotion intervention is acceptable, feasible and effective in improving nutrition and physical activity behaviors.