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01-08-2016 | Original Paper

Disease Messaging in Churches: Implications for Health in African-American Communities

Authors: Brook E. Harmon, Marci Chock, Elizabeth Brantley, Michael D. Wirth, James R. Hébert

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 4/2016

Abstract

Using the right messaging strategies, churches can help promote behavior change. Frequencies of disease-specific messages in 21 African-American churches were compared to overall and cancer-specific mortality and morbidity rates as well as church-level variables. Disease messages were found in 1025 of 2166 items. Frequently referenced topics included cancer (n = 316), mental health conditions (n = 253), heart disease (n = 246), and infectious diseases (n = 220). Messages for lung and colorectal cancers appeared at low frequency despite high mortality rates in African-American communities. Season, church size, and denomination showed significant associations with health messages. Next steps include testing messaging strategies aimed at improving the health of churchgoing communities.

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Title: Disease Messaging in Churches: Implications for Health in African-American Communities
Authors: Brook E. Harmon
Marci Chock
Elizabeth Brantley
Michael D. Wirth
James R. Hébert
Publication date: 01-08-2016
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 4/2016
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-015-0109-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Disease Messaging in Churches: Implications for Health in African-American Communities

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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