The health promotion activities of religious organizations in Delaware County, Indiana

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to conduct a descriptive survey to determine the status of health promotion activities in religious organizations in Delaware County, Indiana. After 223 surveys were distributed and reminder postcards mailed, 77 (35%) usable responses were received. Follow-up telephone calls on 30 non-respondents yielded similar results to those who did respond.The health knowledge level of the respondent, religious affiliation of the religious organization, and racial composition of the congregation appear to be associated with the health promotion activities offered by a religious organization, though the strength of the associations are not clear. However, such associations indicate a need to provide Delaware County religious leaders with connections to secular agencies to provide the social support necessary for health promotion within the congregations.Information from this study could lead to the development of an ecumenical module and/or an oral presentation script addressing health, wellness, and prevention issues that could be utilized by a health educator to inform congregations. This may in turn close the disparity gap in health status for those who may be poorly-served, under-served, or never-served.