Role of African American Churches in Cancer Prevention Services.

摘要

Prostate cancer disproportionately impacts African American men. Disparity in rates of morbidity and mortality demand focused attention on the problem. Churches have been identified as a mechanism for delivering prostate cancer messages. Traditionally, little account has been taken of the variations between church denominations. It is the objective of this research to explore denominational differences that may influence implementation of prostate cancer education programs. A total of 357 pastors across Baptist, Seventh-day Adventist, Presbyterian and Church of God in Christ denominations completed a 30-item survey. The survey assessed church and pastoral demographics, church health ministries, church resource needs for health programs, denominational beliefs and prostate cancer- specific beliefs. There was a high level of interest in bringing prostate cancer programs into the churches and in having tailored material. Difference by denomination with respect to beliefs and awareness about prostate cancer were minimal. Participatory research with faith- based populations requires considerable time to cultivate and knowledge of these organizational structures is critical to undertaking this type of research project.