Benjamin L. Webb

A Comprehensive Review of Faith-Based Physical Activity Interventions:

This review provides a summary of physical activity interventions delivered in faith-based organizations. Electronic databases were searched to identify relevant studies. After screening, a total of n = 27 articles matched our inclusion criteria; 19 were identified as faith-based interventions (some spiritual or Biblical element included in the intervention) and 8 as faith-placed interventions (no spiritual component). Among all interventions, the most common research design was a randomized controlled trial. African American women were the most commonly targeted population and predominately Black churches were the most common setting. The majority of studies used self-report measures of physical activity. Most of the interventions did not use a theoretical framework to shape the intervention and weekly group sessions were the most frequently reported intervention approach. Overall, 12 of the faith-based and 4 of the faith-placed interventions resulted in increases in physical activity. Recommendations for future faith-based physical activity interventions include more rigorous study design, improved measures of physical activity, larger sample sizes, longer study and follow-up periods, and the use of theory in design and evaluation. Although limited, literature on faith-based physical activity interventions shows significant promise for improving physical activity participation and associated health outcomes.

Leading Their Flocks to Health? Clergy Health and the Role of Clergy in Faith-Based Health Promotion Interventions

Faith-based organizations are a frequent partner in health promotion due to their large and expansive reach across multiple demographics of the United States. These faith-based organizations are led by clergy members who have a strong influence over their institutions and who shape the physical and social environments of their institutions for health-related matters. The purpose of this review was to examine current issues associated with the health, behaviors, and well-being of clergy, highlight the literature on the role clergy play in delivering effective health promotion interventions, and present recommendations for improving clergy health and the involvement of clergy in faith-based initiatives.

The Role and Influence of Faith Leaders on Health- Related Issues and Programs in their Congregation

This qualitative study explored the influence of faith leaders on health-related issues within their congregation. Semi-structured interviewers with 24 faith leaders found that chronic conditions and poor health behaviors were the top health challenges facing their congregation. A majority mentioned health-related activities taking place at their church. Most believed they had influence on their congregation for issues related to health/wellness, most commonly in the form of increasing awareness. A majority talked about the importance of being a role model. It is important to understand how to most effectively capitalize on the strengths of and engage pastors in health promotion efforts.

Health Promotion in Megachurches An Untapped Resource With Megareach

Introduction. In the United States, megachurches (churches with 2,000+ attendance) represent a community institution with extensive reach within the population. Despite this potential for reach, the current health promotion practices of megachurches are unknown. This study aimed to document current health promotion activities and resources for health promotion in megachurches. Method. Staff at megachurches were recruited to take an online survey of health promotion programs, health promotion–related beliefs, barriers, and existing resources. Results. Respondents (n = 110 churches) indicated that churches were primarily Baptist (23.6%) or nondenominational (21.1%), had 2,500 to 4,999 congregation members (44.5%), primarily White congregation members (83.5%), and 31 to 60 employees (45.4%). Churches reported 4.73 ± 2.54 activities/year, most commonly reporting clubs or teams related to physical activity (74.5%), hands-on classes (65.5%), and educational activities (59.1%). Most churches (39.1%) reported their primary faith leader was minimally involved in health-related activities. The most common barrier was competition for time/space with other church activities (46.2%). Churches reported several employee health–related policies. Respondents reported a budget of

Health Effects of a Religious Vocation: Perspectives from Christian and Jewish Clergy

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Leading God’s People: Perceptions of Influence Among African–American Pastors

499/year for health-related programs (44.4%). Conclusion. These findings provide insight regarding the current status of health promotion in megachurches. These large churches are a potential health promotion partner for researchers and practitioners for developing culturally tailored interventions.

Influence of Menopause and Fat Mass Distribution on Lipids and Lipoproteins in Normal-Weight Obese Women: 1726 Board #7 June 1 1

Clergy often serve in multiple capacities within religious organizations, making them indispensable to the day-to-day operations of these organizations. Although quantitative studies have highlighted negative health outcomes among clergy, whether this can be attributed to characteristics of the clergy vocation is poorly understood. To explore this possibility, this article presents perspectives from Christian and Jewish clergy about how the religious vocation has affected their health.

A Qualitative Study of Faith Leaders’ Perceptions of Health and Wellness

Religious leaders, particularly African–American pastors, are believed to play a key role in addressing health disparities. Despite the role African–American pastors may play in improving health, there is limited research on pastoral influence. The purpose of this study was to examine African–American pastors’ perceptions of their influence in their churches and communities. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 African–American pastors and analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Three themes emerged: the historical role of the church; influence as contextual, with pastors using comparisons with other pastors to describe their ability to be influential; and a reciprocal relationship existing such that pastors are influenced by factors such as God and their community while these factors also aid them in influencing others. A conceptual model of pastoral influence was created using data from this study and others to highlight factors that influence pastors, potential outcomes and moderators as well as the reciprocal nature of pastoral influence.

Factors associated with faith-based health counselling in the United States: implications for dissemination of evidence-based behavioural medicine

CONCLUSIONS: Significant decreases in TNF-α and CRP were found following high intensity aerobic exercise training while low intensity training reduced TNF-α only. The greater changes of pro-inflammatory cytokines in HL indicates high intensity aerobic exercise training may be more beneficial than low intensity training for controlling lowgrade inflammation and immune function in obese Hispanic females. The amount of training or fat loss in this study may not be enough to induce changes in adiponectin.