title: Development of a spiritually based educational program to increase colorectal cancer screening among African American men and women.
abstract: This study describes the development of a spiritually based intervention to increase colorectal cancer screening through African American churches by framing the health message with spiritual themes and scripture. The intervention development phase consisted of ideas from an advisory panel and core content identified in focus groups. In the pilot-testing phase, prototypes of the intervention materials were tested for graphic appeal in additional focus groups, and content was tested for acceptability and comprehension in cognitive interviews. Participants preferred materials showing a variety of African Americans in real settings, bright color schemes, and an uplifting message emphasizing prevention and early detection. Spiritual themes such as stewardship over the body, being well to serve God, and using faith to overcome fear, were well received. The materials were then finalized for implementation and will be used by community health advisors to encourage screening.
authors: Department of Public and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MA 20742, USA. cholt14@umd.edu
authors: Cheryl L
authors: CL
authors: Holt
authors: Chastity
authors: C
authors: Roberts
authors: Isabel
authors: I
authors: Scarinci
authors: Shereta R
authors: SR
authors: Wiley
authors: Mohamad
authors: M
authors: Eloubeidi
authors: Martha
authors: M
authors: Crowther
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Bolland
authors: Mark S
authors: MS
authors: Litaker
authors: Vivian
authors: V
authors: Southward
authors: Steven S
authors: SS
authors: Coughlin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology*; D029181:Spirituality