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Song MY, Blake-Hepburn D, Karbasi A, Fadel SA, Allin S, Ataullahjan A, Ruggiero ED. Public health partnerships with faith-based organizations to support vaccination uptake among minoritized communities: A scoping review. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002765. [PMID: 38837963 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Faith-based vaccine initiatives are of growing interest to public health agencies who are looking to increase vaccine confidence among ethnoracially minoritized populations. Despite evidence that support faith-based organizations' (FBOs) partnerships with public health agencies (PHAs) to increase vaccine confidence, reviews on the scope and efforts to ensure equitable vaccination delivery for ethnoracially minoritized populations are scarce. We aimed to understand how public health agencies collaborate with FBOs or faith communities to improve vaccine confidence among minoritized communities in high-, low- and middle- income countries. We conducted a scoping review by searching OVID MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), SCOPUS, and PROQUEST from 2011 to 2023. We included case studies, news reports, observational studies, experimental, and quasi-experimental studies and multimedia content that describes PHA-FBO partnerships that created vaccine initiatives for marginalized and minoritized communities. The data was extracted, summarized, and results were described narratively. We included 167 initiatives reported in 160 publications; 83.8% of the included articles were published between 2019 to 2023. The interventions carried out by PHA-FBO partnerships attempted to increase vaccine uptake using any or all the following methods. First, the initiatives provided digital and in-person platforms for interfaith learning and established training programs to empower faith leaders to become vaccine ambassadors. Second, the initiatives designed and disseminated education and awareness materials that aimed to be sensitive to religious and gender norms. Third, PHA-FBO partnered to apply equity and faith-based frameworks and provided wrap-around support to enable equitable vaccine access. Majority of the initiatives reported that PHA-FBO partnerships improved vaccine confidence and uptake (71.3%). About 22.2% of the initiatives reported quantitative outcomes post-intervention. PHA-FBO initiatives over the past decade increased vaccine uptake and acceptance among diverse ethnoracially minoritized populations. Reporting of faith-based initiatives are subject to publication bias and can be strengthened by examining more evaluation studies and establishment of key outcome indicators to critically appraise intervention outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melodie Yunju Song
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Anna Karbasi
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Shaza A Fadel
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Clinical Public Health Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sara Allin
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anushka Ataullahjan
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Erica Di Ruggiero
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Social and Behavioural Health Sciences Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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2
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McCarty B, Hanlen-Rosado E, Taylor J, Yang E, Corneli A, Curlin F. The Opioid Epidemic and Faith-Based Responses in Southern Appalachia, USA: An Exploration of Factors for Successful Cross-Sector Collaboration. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2024:10.1007/s10943-024-02060-1. [PMID: 38825606 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-024-02060-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify factors for successful cross-sector collaboration with faith-based responses to the opioid epidemic in southern Appalachia. In-depth interviews were conducted with representatives from organizations responding to the opioid epidemic (N = 25) and persons who have experienced opioid dependency (N = 11). Stakeholders perceived that collaboration is hindered by stigma, poor communication, and conflicting medical and spiritual approaches to opioid dependency. Collaborations are facilitated by cultivating compassion and trust, sharing information along relational lines, and discerning shared commitments while respecting different approaches. The study concludes with theoretical and practical implications for both religious leaders and potential cross-sector collaborators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett McCarty
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Divinity School, Duke University, 407 Chapel Drive, Duke Box #90968, Durham, NC, 27708-0968, USA.
| | - Emily Hanlen-Rosado
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jamilah Taylor
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Emmy Yang
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Amy Corneli
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Farr Curlin
- Divinity School, Duke University, 407 Chapel Drive, Duke Box #90968, Durham, NC, 27708-0968, USA
- Trent Center for Bioethics, Humanities, and History of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Long KNG, Symons X, VanderWeele TJ, Balboni TA, Rosmarin DH, Puchalski C, Cutts T, Gunderson GR, Idler E, Oman D, Balboni MJ, Tuach LS, Koh HK. Spirituality As A Determinant Of Health: Emerging Policies, Practices, And Systems. Health Aff (Millwood) 2024; 43:783-790. [PMID: 38830169 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2023.01643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Reimagining public health's future should include explicitly considering spirituality as a social determinant of health that is linked to human goods and is deeply valued by people and their communities. Spirituality includes a sense of ultimate meaning, purpose, transcendence, and connectedness. With that end in mind, we assessed how recommendations recently issued by an expert panel for integrating spiritual factors into public health and medicine are being adopted in current practice in the United States. These recommendations emerged from a systematic review of empirical evidence on spirituality, serious illness, and population health published between 2000 and 2022. For each recommendation, we reviewed current federal, state, and local policies and practices recognizing spiritual factors, and we considered the ways in which they reflected the panel's recommendations. In this article, we highlight opportunities for broader application and scale while also noting the potential harms and benefits associated with incorporating these recommendations in various contexts. This analysis, while respecting the spiritual and religious diversity of the US population, identifies promising approaches for strengthening US public health by integrating spiritual considerations to inform person- and community-centered policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn N G Long
- Katelyn N. G. Long , Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Xavier Symons
- Xavier Symons, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | | | - Teresa Cutts
- Teresa Cutts, Stakeholder Health, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Gary R Gunderson
- Gary R. Gunderson, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Ellen Idler
- Ellen Idler, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Doug Oman
- Doug Oman, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Michael J Balboni
- Michael J. Balboni, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Laura S Tuach
- Laura S. Tuach, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Howard K Koh
- Howard K. Koh, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
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Hafez S, Ismail SA, Zibwowa Z, Alhamshary N, Elsayed R, Dhaliwal M, Samuels F, Fakoya A. Community interventions for pandemic preparedness: A scoping review of pandemic preparedness lessons from HIV, COVID-19, and other public health emergencies of international concern. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002758. [PMID: 38709792 PMCID: PMC11073720 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Community action is broadly recognised as central to comprehensive and effective system responses to pandemics. However, there is uncertainty about how and where communities can be best supported to bolster long-term resilience and preparedness. We applied a typology of community interventions (Community Informing, Consulting, Involving, Collaborating or Empowering-or CICICE) to cover the diverse range of interventions identified across the literature and used this to structure a scoping review addressing three linked topics: (i) how CICICE interventions have been understood and applied in the literature on epidemic and pandemic preparedness; (ii) the spectrum of interventions that have been implemented to strengthen CICICE and (iii) what evidence is available on their effectiveness in influencing preparedness for current and future emergencies. We drew on peer-reviewed and grey literature from the HIV (from 2000) and COVID-19 pandemics and recent public health emergencies of international concern (from 2008), identified through systematic searches in MEDLINE, Scopus, the Cochrane Collaboration database, supplemented by keyword-structured searches in GoogleScholar and websites of relevant global health organisations. Following screening and extraction, key themes were identified using a combined inductive/deductive approach. 130 papers met the criteria for inclusion. Interventions for preparedness were identified across the spectrum of CICICE. Most work on COVID-19 focused on informing and consulting rather than capacity building and empowerment. The literature on HIV was more likely to report interventions emphasising human rights perspectives and empowerment. There was little robust evidence on the role of CICICE interventions in building preparedness. Evidence of effect was most robust for multi-component interventions for HIV prevention and control. Much of the reporting focused on intermediate outcomes, including measures of health service utilisation. We put forward a series of recommendations to help address evidence shortfalls, including clarifying definitions, organising and stratifying interventions by several parameters and strengthening evaluation methods for CICICE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sali Hafez
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sharif A. Ismail
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zandile Zibwowa
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nadin Alhamshary
- The Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, School of Medicine, The University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Reem Elsayed
- The University of Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mandeep Dhaliwal
- HIV and Health Group, United Nations Development Program, New York, United States of America
| | - Fiona Samuels
- Centre for Public Health and Policy, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ade Fakoya
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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O'Neill S, Begg S, Hyett N, Spelten E. Primary Health Care Interventions for Potentially Preventable Ear, Nose, and Throat Conditions in Rural and Remote Areas: A Systematic Review. EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL 2024:1455613241245198. [PMID: 38646793 DOI: 10.1177/01455613241245198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background:Primary and secondary level preventive primary health care programs providing early detection and timely management of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions in rural and remote regions are fundamental to preventing downstream impacts on health, social, and educational outcomes. However, the range and quality of evidence is yet to be reviewed. Objectives: The study objectives were to identify and synthesize the evidence of primary health care interventions for detection and management of ENT conditions in rural and remote areas, and evaluate the quality of the research and effectiveness of interventions. Methods: A systematic literature search of 6 databases (February 2023). The review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement, and the quality appraisal of studies was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (initial screening questions: Are there clear research questions? Do the collected data allow to address the research questions?). Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. The results describe interventions for detection and management of respiratory tract infections, otitis media, and ear disease in primary health care settings. No studies met the inclusion criteria for tonsillitis. The role of community-based programs and allied health workers in the detection and management of ENT conditions was found to be effective in rural and remote regions. Only 2 of the studies met the screening criteria for quality appraisal. Conclusions: The study findings may inform future programs and policy development to address detection and management of ENT conditions in rural and remote primary care settings, and supports the need for further research on innovative models of care targeting potentially preventable hospitalizations through primary and secondary level prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan O'Neill
- Department of Community and Allied Health, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen Begg
- Department of Community and Allied Health, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
| | - Nerida Hyett
- Murray Primary Health Network, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
| | - Evelien Spelten
- Department of Community and Allied Health, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
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Jacobs J, Walsh JL, Valencia J, DiFranceisco W, Hirschtick JL, Hunt BR, Quinn KG, Benjamins MR. Associations Between Religiosity and Medical Mistrust: An Age-Stratified Analysis of Survey Data from Black Adults in Chicago. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024:10.1007/s40615-024-01979-1. [PMID: 38514511 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-024-01979-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Medical mistrust is associated with poor health outcomes, ineffective disease management, lower utilization of preventive care, and lack of engagement in research. Mistrust of healthcare systems, providers, and institutions may be driven by previous negative experiences and discrimination, especially among communities of color, but religiosity may also influence the degree to which individuals develop trust with the healthcare system. The Black community has a particularly deep history of strong religious communities, and has been shown to have a stronger relationship with religion than any other racial or ethnic group. In order to address poor health outcomes in communities of color, it is important to understand the drivers of medical mistrust, which may include one's sense of religiosity. The current study used data from a cross-sectional survey of 537 Black individuals living in Chicago to understand the relationship between religiosity and medical mistrust, and how this differs by age group. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data for our sample. Adjusted stratified linear regressions, including an interaction variable for age group and religiosity, were used to model the association between religiosity and medical mistrust for younger and older people. The results show a statistically significant relationship for younger individuals. Our findings provide evidence for the central role the faith-based community may play in shaping young peoples' perceptions of medical institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn Jacobs
- Sinai Urban Health Institute, Sinai Health System, 1500 S. Fairfield Ave, Chicago, IL, 60608, USA.
| | - Jennifer L Walsh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Center for AIDS Intervention Research (CAIR), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jesus Valencia
- Sinai Urban Health Institute, Sinai Health System, 1500 S. Fairfield Ave, Chicago, IL, 60608, USA
| | - Wayne DiFranceisco
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Center for AIDS Intervention Research (CAIR), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jana L Hirschtick
- Advocate Aurora Research Institute, Advocate Health Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bijou R Hunt
- Sinai Infectious Disease Center, Sinai Health System, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Katherine G Quinn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Center for AIDS Intervention Research (CAIR), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Maureen R Benjamins
- Sinai Urban Health Institute, Sinai Health System, 1500 S. Fairfield Ave, Chicago, IL, 60608, USA
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7
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Song MY, Blake-Hepburn D, Fadel S, Allin S, Ataullahjan A, Di Ruggiero E. Faith-based organisations and their role in supporting vaccine confidence and uptake: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e070843. [PMID: 38135322 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Faith-based organisations (FBOs) and religious actors increase vaccine confidence and uptake among ethnoracially minoritised communities in low-income and middle-income countries. During the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent vaccine rollout, global organisations such as the WHO and UNICEF called for faith-based collaborations with public health agencies (PHAs). As PHA-FBO partnerships emerge to support vaccine uptake, the scoping review aims to: (1) outline intervention typologies and implementation frameworks guiding interventions; (2) describe the roles of PHAs and FBOs in the design, implementation and evaluation of strategies and (3) synthesise outcomes and evaluations of PHA-FBO vaccine uptake initiatives for ethnoracially minoritised communities. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will perform six library database searches in PROQUEST-Public Health, OVID MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, SCOPUS- all, PROQUEST - Policy File index; three theses repositories, four website searches, five niche journals and 11 document repositories for public health. These databases will be searched for literature that describe partnerships for vaccine confidence and uptake for ethnoracially minoritised populations, involving at least one PHA and one FBO, published in English from January 2011 to October 2023. Two reviewers will pilot-test 20 articles to refine and finalise the inclusion/exclusion criteria and data extraction template. Four reviewers will independently screen and extract the included full-text articles. An implementation science process framework outlining the design, implementation and evaluation of the interventions will be used to capture the array of partnerships and effectiveness of PHA-FBO vaccine uptake initiatives. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This multiphase Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) project received ethics approval from the University of Toronto. Findings will be translated into a series of written materials for dissemination to CIHR, and collaborating knowledge users (ie, regional and provincial PHAs), and panel presentations at conferences to inform the development of a best-practices framework for increasing vaccine confidence and uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melodie Yunju Song
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Shaza Fadel
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sara Allin
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anushka Ataullahjan
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erica Di Ruggiero
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Ransome Y, Luan H, Song I, Duncan DT. Church Closings Were Associated with Higher COVID-19 Infection Rates: Implications for Community Health Equity. J Urban Health 2023; 100:1258-1263. [PMID: 37989815 PMCID: PMC10728374 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-023-00791-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the changes in physical church closings years 2013 to 2019 in New York City (NYC), Philadelphia, and Baltimore and the association with COVID-19 infection rates. We applied Bayesian spatial binomial models to analyze confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of February 28, 2022, in each city at the zip code-level. A one unit increase in the number of churches closed corresponded to a 5% higher COVID-19 infection rate, in NYC (rate ratio = 1.05, 95% credible interval = 1.02-1.08%), where the association was significant. Church closings appears to be an important indicator of neighborhood social vulnerability. Church closings should be routinely monitored as a structural determinant of community health and to advance health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Ransome
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, LEPH, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
| | - Hui Luan
- Department of Geography, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Insang Song
- Department of Geography, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Dustin T Duncan
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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Ketel C, Clouse K, Jordan H, Uroza S, Kirby J, Adams K, Davis T, Janbakhsh D, Green M, Hopkins P, James B, Rahman N, Thomas A, Plummer C. Bringing COVID-19 vaccine to medically underserved populations utilizing a community-guided mobile vaccine program. Public Health Nurs 2023; 40:925-930. [PMID: 37622842 DOI: 10.1111/phn.13249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Between March 23, 2021, and December 31, 2022, the Mobile Vaccine Program (MVP) vaccinated 5044 individuals from medically-underserved communities in Middle Tennessee identified through and guided by a collaboration of local community agencies. The primary objective of the MVP was to vaccinate individuals for COVID-19 who had barriers to traditional mass vaccine strategies through community-guided strategies and partnerships. Three strategies were developed and implemented with community partners and their affiliated community health workers (CHWs). The strategies included pop-up vaccination clinics at community partner events, CHW-guided door-to-door in-home vaccination, and community partner-initiated homebound referrals for vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Ketel
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Kate Clouse
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Heather Jordan
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Sarah Uroza
- Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Justin Kirby
- Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Keri Adams
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | | | - Michael Green
- Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Paige Hopkins
- Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | - Nadia Rahman
- Nashville International Center for Empowerment, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Ally Thomas
- Nashville International Center for Empowerment, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Carrie Plummer
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, Tennessee
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Faith Community Nursing and COVID-19: Creative and Inspired Practice. J Christ Nurs 2023; 40:122-130. [PMID: 36730656 PMCID: PMC9983562 DOI: 10.1097/cnj.0000000000001028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT A mixed-method, cross-sectional descriptive online survey was used to examine the impact of COVID-19 on faith community nurse (FCN) practice. The seven practice areas for FCNs provided a framework for a 20-question survey comparing their practice pre- and during COVID-19 was completed by 378 FCNs. The top five interventions during COVID were in the areas of spiritual support, health promotion, and advocating for services; a top need was peer support/networking. Creative strategies used to meet the faith community's needs were inspiring. Implications for practice adaptation are discussed.
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11
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Sklar RP, Goldman RE. "The First Person They Call is Their Pastor": The Role of New York City Faith Leaders in Supporting Their Congregation's Health and Well-Being During COVID-19. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023:1-20. [PMID: 36917363 PMCID: PMC10011784 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01789-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This article reports findings from a qualitative study of New York City faith leaders' efforts to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their communities during the first two years of the pandemic. Faith leaders were recruited via reputational case sampling to participate in individual, key informant interviews. This study used a social-contextual approach to health promotion by exploring the influence of faith leaders and religious communities on health behaviors. Results suggest that engaged faith leaders worked individually and collaboratively to support the changing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of their religious communities and those in the surrounding area. This study highlights the importance of faith leaders as supporters, communicators, and advocates, and provides directions for future research on the impact of faith leaders on individuals' experiences and health behaviors during a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel P Sklar
- Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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12
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Syed U, Kapera O, Chandrasekhar A, Baylor BT, Hassan A, Magalhães M, Meidany F, Schenker I, Messiah SE, Bhatti A. The Role of Faith-Based Organizations in Improving Vaccination Confidence & Addressing Vaccination Disparities to Help Improve Vaccine Uptake: A Systematic Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020449. [PMID: 36851325 PMCID: PMC9966262 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of vaccination to support individual health across the life-course, with vaccination playing a central strategy role in mitigating transmission and disease. This required unprecedented mobilization and coordination across all sectors to meet people where they are, enable equitable access, and build vaccination confidence. A literature search was conducted with combinations of the keywords and variations of vaccination and faith-based organizations (FBOs). Search inclusion criteria were: (1) FBO programs that supported public health emergency efforts, including vaccination efforts as the primary outcome; and (2) articles written in English language. A total of 37 articles met inclusion criteria (n = 26 focused on general public health campaigns, n = 11 focused on vaccination efforts). The findings related to public health campaigns fell into four themes: FBO's ability to (1) tailor public health campaigns; (2) mitigate barriers; (3) establish trust; and (4) disseminate and sustain efforts. The findings related to vaccine uptake efforts fell into three themes: (1) pre-pandemic influenza and HPV vaccination efforts, (2) addressing vaccine disparities in minority communities, and (3) enabling COVID-19 vaccination. This review demonstrated that FBOs have a vital role in both public health campaigns and vaccination initiatives to support high vaccine uptake and confidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uzma Syed
- South Shore Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine Consultants, Bayshore, NY 11706, USA
| | - Olivia Kapera
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center, Austin Campus, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Center for Pediatric Population Health, UTHealth School of Public Health and Children’s Health System of Texas, Dallas, TX 75027, USA
| | - Aparajita Chandrasekhar
- Center for Pediatric Population Health, UTHealth School of Public Health and Children’s Health System of Texas, Dallas, TX 75027, USA
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center, Dallas Campus, Dallas, TX 75207, USA
| | - Barbara T. Baylor
- Caucus on Public Health and the Faith Community, Atlanta, GA 30331, USA
| | - Adebola Hassan
- Illinois Department of Public Health, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Marina Magalhães
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Farshid Meidany
- Black Pearl Consulting & Research, Leesburg, VA 20175-3012, USA
| | | | - Sarah E. Messiah
- Center for Pediatric Population Health, UTHealth School of Public Health and Children’s Health System of Texas, Dallas, TX 75027, USA
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center, Dallas Campus, Dallas, TX 75207, USA
| | - Alexandra Bhatti
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-602-814-7519
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13
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Emery N, Dugerdil A, Flahault A. Vaccine Hesitancies Across the World in the Era of COVID-19. Am J Public Health 2022; 112:1579-1581. [PMID: 36223584 PMCID: PMC9558181 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2022.307087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Emery
- Nina Emery, Adeline Dugerdil, and Antoine Flahault are with the Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. Nina Emery is also with the School of Medicine, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Adeline Dugerdil
- Nina Emery, Adeline Dugerdil, and Antoine Flahault are with the Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. Nina Emery is also with the School of Medicine, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Antoine Flahault
- Nina Emery, Adeline Dugerdil, and Antoine Flahault are with the Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. Nina Emery is also with the School of Medicine, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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14
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Idler E, Bernau JA, Zaras D. Narratives and counter-narratives in religious responses to COVID-19: A computational text analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262905. [PMID: 35113914 PMCID: PMC8812967 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Religious responses to COVID-19 as portrayed in a major news source raise the issue of conflict or cooperation between religious bodies and public health authorities. We compared articles in the New York Times relating to religion and COVID-19 with the COVID-19 statements posted on 63 faith-based organizations' web sites, and with the guidance documents published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) specifically for religious bodies. We used computational text analysis to identify and compare sentiments and topics in the three bodies of text. Sentiment analysis showed consistent positive values for faith-based organizations' texts throughout the period. The initial negative sentiment of religion-COVID-19 coverage in the New York Times rose over the period and eventually converged with the consistently positive sentiment of faith-based documents. In our topic modelling analysis, rank order and regression analysis showed that topic prevalence was similar in the faith-based and public health sources, and both showed statistically significant differences from the New York Times. We conclude that there is evidence of both narratives and counter-narratives, and that these showed demonstrable shifts over time. Text analysis of public documents shows alignment of the interests of public health and religious bodies, which can be discerned for the benefit of communities if parties are trusted and religious messages are consistent with public health communications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Idler
- Department of Sociology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - John A. Bernau
- Center for the Study of Law and Religion, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Dimitrios Zaras
- Department of Sociology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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15
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Levin J, Idler EL, VanderWeele TJ. Faith-Based Organizations and SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination: Challenges and Recommendations. Public Health Rep 2021; 137:11-16. [PMID: 34694939 PMCID: PMC8721765 DOI: 10.1177/00333549211054079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Levin
- Institute for Studies of Religion and Medical Humanities Program, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA,Jeff Levin, PhD, MPH, Baylor University, Institute for Studies of Religion, 1 Bear Pl #97236, Waco, TX 76798, USA.
| | - Ellen L. Idler
- Departments of Sociology and Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tyler J. VanderWeele
- Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
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16
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Williams JTB, Miller A, Nussbaum AM. Combating Contagion and Injustice: The Shared Work for Public Health and Faith Communities During COVID-19. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2021; 60:1436-1445. [PMID: 33772686 PMCID: PMC7998086 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-021-01243-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Faith communities are uniquely positioned for essential public health work to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and address the chronic pre-existing health disparities that have been exacerbated by COVID-19. Specifically, faith communities can (1) dialogue with public health communities, developing internal policies and meeting guidelines consistent with evidence-based recommendations and their own faith traditions, (2) bolster religious daycare and parochial school immunization policies, and (3) partner with faith-based organizations through financial support and volunteer hours. This essential work will complement governmental public health approaches and ensure faith communities can assist with future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua T B Williams
- Department of Pediatrics, Ambulatory Care Services, Denver Health Medical Center, 301 W 6th Avenue, MC 1911, Denver, CO, 80204, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | | | - Abraham M Nussbaum
- Department of Behavioral Health, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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17
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Ransome Y, Ojikutu BO, Buchanan M, Johnston D, Kawachi I. Neighborhood Social Cohesion and Inequalities in COVID-19 Diagnosis Rates by Area-Level Black/African American Racial Composition. J Urban Health 2021; 98:222-232. [PMID: 33759068 PMCID: PMC7986648 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-021-00532-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Geographic inequalities in COVID-19 diagnosis are now well documented. However, we do not sufficiently know whether inequalities are related to social characteristics of communities, such as collective engagement. We tested whether neighborhood social cohesion is associated with inequalities in COVID-19 diagnosis rate and the extent the association varies across neighborhood racial composition. We calculated COVID-19 diagnosis rates in Philadelphia, PA, per 10,000 general population across 46 ZIP codes, as of April 2020. Social cohesion measures were from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Household Health Survey, 2018. We estimated Poisson regressions to quantify associations between social cohesion and COVID-19 diagnosis rate, testing a multiplicative interaction with Black racial composition in the neighborhood, which we operationalize via a binary indicator of ZIP codes above vs. below the city-wide average (41%) Black population. Two social cohesion indicators were significantly associated with COVID-19 diagnosis. Associations varied across Black neighborhood racial composition (p <0.05 for the interaction test). In ZIP codes with ≥41% of Black people, higher collective engagement was associated with an 18% higher COVID-19 diagnosis rate (IRR=1.18, 95%CI=1.11, 1.26). In contrast, areas with <41% of Black people, higher engagement was associated with a 26% lower diagnosis rate (IRR=0.74, 95%CI=0.67, 0.82). Neighborhood social cohesion is associated with both higher and lower COVID-19 diagnosis rates, and the extent of associations varies across Black neighborhood racial composition. We recommend some strategies for reducing inequalities based on the segmentation model within the social cohesion and public health intervention framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Ransome
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, LEPH 4th Floor, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - Bisola O Ojikutu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Infectious Disease Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Global Health Equity, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Morgan Buchanan
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, LEPH 4th Floor, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Demerise Johnston
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ichiro Kawachi
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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18
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Brewer LC, Asiedu GB, Jones C, Richard M, Erickson J, Weis J, Abbenyi A, Brockman TA, Sia IG, Wieland ML, White RO, Doubeni CA. Emergency Preparedness and Risk Communication Among African American Churches: Leveraging a Community-Based Participatory Research Partnership COVID-19 Initiative. Prev Chronic Dis 2020; 17:E158. [PMID: 33301390 PMCID: PMC7769077 DOI: 10.5888/pcd17.200408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis has disproportionately affected the African American population. To mitigate the disparities, we deployed an emergency preparedness strategy within an existing community-based participatory research (CBPR) partnership among African American churches to disseminate accurate COVID-19 information. We used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication framework to conduct a needs assessment, distribute emergency preparedness manuals, and deliver COVID-19–related messaging among African American churches via electronic communication platforms. A needs assessment showed that the top 3 church emergency resource needs were financial support, food and utilities, and COVID-19 health information. During an 8-week period (April 3–May 31, 2020), we equipped 120 churches with emergency preparedness manuals and delivered 230 messages via social media (Facebook) and email. For reach, we estimated that 6,539 unique persons viewed content on the Facebook page, and for engagement, we found 1,260 interactions (eg, likes, loves, comments, shares, video views, post clicks). Emails from community communication leaders reached an estimated 12,000 church members. CBPR partnerships can be effectively leveraged to promote emergency preparedness and communicate risk among under-resourced communities during a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- LaPrincess C Brewer
- Division of Preventive Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Center for Health Equity and Community Engagement Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905.
| | - Gladys B Asiedu
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Healthcare Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | | | | | - Jennifer Weis
- Center for Health Equity and Community Engagement Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Adeline Abbenyi
- Center for Health Equity and Community Engagement Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Tabetha A Brockman
- Center for Health Equity and Community Engagement Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Irene G Sia
- Center for Health Equity and Community Engagement Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Mark L Wieland
- Center for Health Equity and Community Engagement Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Division of Community Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Richard O White
- Center for Health Equity and Community Engagement Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Division of Community Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Chyke A Doubeni
- Center for Health Equity and Community Engagement Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Department of Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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19
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Williams JTB, Miller A, O'Leary ST. Sacred or secular? Exploring religious Coloradans' questions about vaccines. Vaccine 2020; 38:6971-6974. [PMID: 32972736 PMCID: PMC7506498 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua T B Williams
- Department of Pediatrics - Ambulatory Care Services, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States.
| | - Adrian Miller
- Executive Director, Colorado Council of Churches, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Sean T O'Leary
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States; Adult and Child Consortium for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science (ACCORDS), Aurora, CO, United States; Section of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
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20
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Lahijani AY, King AR, Gullatte MM, Hennink M, Bednarczyk RA. HPV Vaccine Promotion: The church as an agent of change. Soc Sci Med 2020; 268:113375. [PMID: 32979772 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and associated cancers has been recommended for use in the US since 2006; however, vaccine uptake remains suboptimal. Many sociodemographic factors have been evaluated with regard to HPV vaccine uptake but there has been less focus on the role of religion and religiosity. Our qualitative case study aimed to identify community perceptions of HPV and HPV vaccination via seven focus group discussions (FGDs) with leaders and members of an African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church in metro-Atlanta, Georgia from April 2018 to July 2018. A Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) conceptual framework was used to identify potential avenues to strengthen communication and health promotion strategies in the church community. Results showed diverse perceptions about HPV vaccine amongst the church community, ranging from viewing the HPV vaccine as essential to unnecessary for adolescents. Two key barriers to the HPV vaccine that may be addressed through the SBCC strategies were identified: 1) general mistrust in the healthcare system and 2) the expectation of abstinence among adolescents. For future HPV prevention opportunities, congregants highlighted they would be more receptive to receiving HPV vaccine promotion messages from pre-established trustworthy sources. Church leaders hold the trust of their congregation, therefore implementation of a church-based intervention utilizing the SBCC strategies has considerable potential to transform perceptions of the HPV vaccine and increase vaccination uptake. These findings may be implemented in future HPV vaccine promotion strategies within faith-based communities to promote safe and open dialogue for health communication messages to be disseminated in a familiar and trusted setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Y Lahijani
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Adrian R King
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Mary M Gullatte
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, 1365 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, 1520 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Emory Healthcare, 235 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Monique Hennink
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Robert A Bednarczyk
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, 1365 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
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21
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Boundary Crossing: Meaningfully Engaging Religious Traditions and Religious Institutions in Public Health. RELIGIONS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/rel10070412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Interest in religion and spirituality continues to grow among public health practitioners, researchers, and scholars. While there have been several recent landmark publications and efforts to understand the intersections of religion, spirituality, and public health, work remains to be done. In this commentary, we outline three challenges that impede more substantive engagement with religion and spirituality from the public health perspective; namely, the controversial aspects of religion, the perception of religion as a private matter, and limited academic space for coursework around religion and spirituality within public health training. We then describe a series of recommendations that might foster better scholarship and praxis at the crossroads of public health, religion, and spirituality: forming interdisciplinary teams, engaging a wider body of literature, building relationships with faith-inspired colleagues and communities, and considering the goals and ends of communities we serve. We remain hopeful that through ongoing dialogue and academic humility, work exploring the features of religion, spirituality, and public health will yield richer understanding of our shared humanity and the features that give rise to life.
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