title: African-American clergy's perceptions of the leading health problems in their communities and their role in supporting parishioners' health.
abstract: This article is a report on a survey of Southern California pastors to learn of their perceptions of the leading health problems in their congregations. Participants (N=41) identified stress, overweight, and obesity as the top three health indicators that effect the health of their congregations. Tobacco use and substance abuse were listed among the top five. From a list of health problems, pastors felt that from the pulpit they could impact parishioners responsible sexual behavior most. Pastors expressed their opinions about the reasons for certain maladies and addictions. The findings indicate room for improvement in building clergy's understanding of the nature of illness and addiction and in empowering them in their role of supporting healthy behaviors in the African-American community.
authors.affiliation: UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Program, Friends Research Institute, 1001 W. Carson Street, Suite 5, Torrance, CA 90502, USA.
authors.forename: Donnie W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Watson
authors.forename: Donnie W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: West
authors.forename: Lorrie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bisesi
authors.forename: Susie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tanamly
authors.forename: Cheryl A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Branch
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Novgrod
authors.forename: Tiffanie
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sim
authors.forename: Eugene
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D001741:Black or African American; D002140:California; D002977:Clergy / Q000523:psychology*; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024382:Professional Role; D012111:Residence Characteristics