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01-03-2012 | Original Paper

A Study of Rural Church Health Promotion Environments: Leaders’ and Members’ Perspectives

Authors: Randi M. Williams, Karen Glanz, Michelle C. Kegler, Ernest Davis Jr.

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

This study examined the beliefs of church leaders about health and associations between these beliefs and the church health promotion environment (CHPE). Perceptions of the CHPE by leaders and members of the same churches were also compared. Interviews were conducted with pastors (n = 40) and members (n = 96) of rural churches. They were Baptist (60%), and 57.5% were predominantly White, while 42.5% were Black. Leaders’ beliefs regarding talking about health topics in sermons were associated with the presence of health messages in the church. There was also a significant association between leaders’ beliefs about members’ receptivity to health messages and the presence of messages in the church. Leaders’ and members’ perceptions of the CHPE were discordant. While some leaders’ beliefs may be related to the CHPE, other factors may explain why programs and policies exist in some churches and not others.

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Title: A Study of Rural Church Health Promotion Environments: Leaders’ and Members’ Perspectives
Authors: Randi M. Williams
Karen Glanz
Michelle C. Kegler
Ernest Davis Jr.
Publication date: 01-03-2012
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-009-9306-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

A Study of Rural Church Health Promotion Environments: Leaders’ and Members’ Perspectives

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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