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Developing Faith-Based Health Promotion Programs that Target Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer Risk Factors

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a faith-based health promotion program on the ideal health behaviors shared between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. The primary purpose was to measure the individual-level change in three categories of shared risk behaviors between CVD and cancer (body weight, physical activity, and nutrition) among program participants. Additionally, we evaluated the association of churches' perceived environmental support on these ideal health behaviors. Baseline and 10-week surveys were conducted to assess BMI, ideal health behaviors (diet and physical activity), and a Healthy Lifestyle Score (HLS) was created to measure adherence to health behaviors. A Supportive Church Environment Score (SCES) was designed to address the second objective. Psychosocial factors (stress and coping skills) and demographics were also measured. The percentage of participants meeting diet and exercise recommendations significantly increased with the completion of the program. Whole-grain intake increased by 64% (p = 0.085), vegetable intake increased by 58% (p =  < 0.001), fruit intake increased by 39% (p =  < 0.001), physical activity increased by 14% (p =  < 0.001), and red meat consumption decreased by 19% (p =  < 0.001). The median HLS increased from 7 to 8 (p =  < 0.001). At baseline the association between ideal health behaviors and the SCES was significant for fruit intake (r = 0.22, p-value = 0.003) and red meat consumption (r = 0.17, p-value = 0.02). The aggregate behaviors as represented by the HLS were associated with the SCES (r = 0.19, p-value = 0.03). The significant increase in the HLS indicates an average improvement in the degree to which participants were meeting recommendations after completing the program. Therefore, adherence to these ideal health behaviors increased over the 10-week program.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to especially thank all HeartSmarts health educators, participants and the host organizations inclusive of Abundant Life Christian Center, Bethel Evangelical Church, Bethel Gospel Assembly, Friendship Baptist, Iglesia Pentecostal de Washington Heights, Pleasant Groove Tabernacle, Saint George Episcopal, St. Albans Congregational Church, and St. Vincent Ferrer.

Funding

Dr Phillips is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (D34HP318790100) of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $2 719 201 with 10% percent financed with non-governmental sources. Research reported in this publication was also supported by the National Center For Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number UL1TR002384. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of General Internal Medicine, 338 East 66th Street, Box #46, New York, NY, 10021, USA

    Clare Burchenal, Shanna Tucker, Orysya Soroka, Francesse Antoine, Rosio Ramos, Holly Anderson, Naa-Solo Tettey & Erica Phillips

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  1. Clare Burchenal
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  2. Shanna Tucker
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  3. Orysya Soroka
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  4. Francesse Antoine
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  7. Naa-Solo Tettey
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Correspondence to Erica Phillips.

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Conflict of interest

All authors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest or non-financial interest in this study.

Ethical Approval

This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Informed Consent

All study procedures inclusive of the written informed consent process for all study participants were reviewed and approved by the Weill Cornell Medical College Institutional Review Board (Protocol #1112012067).

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Appendix 1

Appendix 1

Supportive Church Environment Score Questionnaire:

Are any of the following activities promoted in the place where you attend religious services? Place a check mark in the Yes or No box for each activity.

 

Yes

No

Healthy snacks are made available

  

Healthy food options (i.e.: vegetables, low salt, baked, or grilled proteins) are available at events

  

Regularly scheduled classes on physical activity are made available to all

  

Regularly scheduled classes on healthy eating are made available to all

  

Faith leaders talk about healthy eating and physical activity in sermons, messages, or special health seminars

  

Programs about health issues (diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, obesity) are made available to all

  

Programs about mental health are made available to all

  

Health information is placed in our bulletin or newsletters

  

Programs or ways of checking blood pressure are made available to all

  

Unhealthy foods are often served at gatherings (fried food, sweets)

  

Health and wellness are a major mission of the organization

  

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Burchenal, C., Tucker, S., Soroka, O. et al. Developing Faith-Based Health Promotion Programs that Target Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer Risk Factors. J Relig Health 61, 1318–1332 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-021-01469-2

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