title: Divine Interventions: Faith-Based Approaches to Health Promotion Programs for Latinos.
abstract: Few interventions have used faith-based approaches in health promotion programs among US Latinos, a notably religious population. This article explores the perceptions of church leaders, promotoras, and program participants on the Catholic religious context and content of a community-based intervention addressing physical activity, nutrition, and stress management for Chicago Latinas aged 50+. Nineteen in-depth interviews were conducted. Viewed as trustworthy, natural, and authentic, the church setting nurtured community bonds. Moreover, the program's religious content encouraged Latinas to feel motivated, connected, and engaged with the program in meaningful ways. Overall, faith-based health promotion programs offer a promising approach for Latino-centered interventions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 212A Huff Hall, 1206 S. Fourth St., Champaign, IL, 61820, USA. andiara@illinois.edu.
authors.forename: Andiara
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schwingel
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 212B Huff Hall, 1206 S. Fourth St., Champaign, IL, 61820, USA.
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gálvez
mesh_terms: D002410:Catholicism; D002641:Chicago; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012068:Religion and Medicine
keywords: Catholic; Faith; Health; Hispanic; Latino; Lifestyle; Religious content; Religious context; Women