title: The Role and Influence of Faith Leaders on Health-Related Issues and Programs in their Congregation.
abstract: This qualitative study explored the influence of faith leaders on health-related issues within their congregation. Semi-structured interviewers with 24 faith leaders found that chronic conditions and poor health behaviors were the top health challenges facing their congregation. A majority mentioned health-related activities taking place at their church. Most believed they had influence on their congregation for issues related to health/wellness, most commonly in the form of increasing awareness. A majority talked about the importance of being a role model. It is important to understand how to most effectively capitalize on the strengths of and engage pastors in health promotion efforts.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Science, Saginaw Valley State University, 7400 Bay Road, University Center, MI, 48710, USA, mbaruth@svsu.edu.
authors.forename: Meghan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baruth
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bopp
authors.forename: Benjamin L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Webb
authors.forename: Jane A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Peterson
mesh_terms: D002977:Clergy / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D024382:Professional Role / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012067:Religion