A critical exploration of the concept of faith-based health promotion in Scotland : a mixed-methods study

• Main Author: Fagan, Donna Marie
• Published: University of Aberdeen 2009
• Subjects: 610.7343; Health promotion : Public health
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.510547

<p class="Abstract">Objectives: To establish existing evidence about church-based health promotion in Scotland; to explore the perceptions and attitudes concerning church-based health promotion from faith leaders, churchmen and women, health professionals and community members in Dundee, Scotland; and to establish the level to which health promoting activities currently occur in and are organised by places of worship in Dundee. <p class="Abstract">A mixed-methods approach utilised a grounded theory methodology to generate and analyse data arising from 43 semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders that comprised three cohorts: health promotion professionals (n=9), representatives of Christian and non-Christian faith communities (n=24), and community members ≥ 50 years (n=10).&nbsp; In addition, one focus group (n=4) was conducted, and a self-administered questionnaire was distributed to representatives of all faith communities in Dundee (response rate 70%, n=71). <p class="Abstract">The majority of participants in all cohorts expressed an interest in the concept of church-based health promotion and could readily envision its application in their area of work. Representatives of most faith communities identified multiple physical and volunteer assets, as well as social supports that could be directed toward healthy living activities.&nbsp; However, in spite of many obvious positive elements,&nbsp; health promotion experts and church leaders had&nbsp; not previously recognised the potential for places of worship to become community ‘settings’ for health promotion.&nbsp; A number of interviewees proposed that this was due to communication limitations and misconceptions that have created barriers to developing working relationships.&nbsp; It was apparent to most interviewees that church-based health promotion could both increase capacity in community health development and expand current faith ministries.