2015 APHA Annual Meeting & Expo

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Online Program

337154
University Faith-Based Community Partnership to Reduce Health Disparities and Impact Policy


Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Carol Agomo, M.P.H., Division of Community Affairs, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Martha Crowther, Ph.D., MPH, Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Pamela Foster, MD, MPH, Community and Rural Medicine, The University of Alabama School of Medicine, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Angelia M. Paschal, PhD, Department of Health Science, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
background: Significant rates of health disparities continue to permeate population health, specifically among African Americans. The contribution to inequality in life expectancy due to preventable chronic diseases is also observed at disproportionate rates. The African American church has historically provided resources for health and education. The present study addresses health disparities at the population level through a community-university faith-based partnership.

methods:  University faculty members provide monthly workshops to nine participating churches on a variety of health-related topics including nutrition and physical activity. All sessions support the implementation of evidence-based public health programming at each church while incorporating biblical text to increase the relevance of the health information delivered in faith-based settings. Semiannual health screenings provide individuals with their health status information.

results: Sessions held during bible study have been well attended by the more active members of the church, increasing infrastructure that supports the initiatives’ three pillars: nutrition, physical activity, and health information. In each session, best practices in promoting healthier lifestyles are shared for the individual, family, and church, leading to success stories and improved wellness.  

conclusions: Active participants in this initiative have influenced healthier culture and have advocated for capacity building within these settings to continue health promotion practices. The university/faith-based partnership has empowered the local churches as well as influenced community health policies.

Learning Areas:

Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Advocacy for health and health education
Other professions or practice related to public health

Learning Objectives:
Demonstrate how a community-university faith-based partnership can empower community members and influence community health policies Designing and implementing community-driven interventions in African American communities

Keyword(s): Community-Based Partnership & Collaboration, Faith Community

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I lead community-engaged efforts within the Office of Community Affairs, at The University of Alabama. I have experience in Community-Based Participatory Research, health literacy, and designing and implementing community-driven interventions in African American communities.
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.

Back to: 4080.0: Faith-based Approaches to Guide Public Health Policies