DeHaven MJ, Hunter IB, Wilder L, Walton JW, Berry J. Health programs in faith-based organizations: are they effective?
Am J Public Health 2004;
94:1030-6. [PMID:
15249311 PMCID:
PMC1448385 DOI:
10.2105/ajph.94.6.1030]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 302] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/21/2003] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
We examined the published literature on health programs in faith-based organizations to determine the effectiveness of these programs.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature review of articles describing faith-based health activities. Articles (n = 386) were screened for eligibility (n = 105), whether a faith-based health program was described (n = 53), and whether program effects were reported (28).
RESULTS
Most programs focused on primary prevention (50.9%), general health maintenance (25.5%), cardiovascular health (20.7%), or cancer (18.9%). Significant effects reported included reductions in cholesterol and blood pressure levels, weight, and disease symptoms and increases in the use of mammography and breast self-examination.
CONCLUSIONS
Faith-based programs can improve health outcomes. Means are needed for increasing the frequency with which such programs are evaluated and the results of these evaluations are disseminated.
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