Citation

Baruth M, Wilcox S, Saunders RP. Fam. Community Health 2013; 36(3): 204-214.

Affiliation

Department of Exercise Science (Drs Baruth and Wilcox), Prevention Research Center (Dr Wilcox), and Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior (Dr Saunders), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/FCH.0b013e31828e6733

PMID

23718956

Abstract

Pastor support has been viewed as an integral part of successful faith-based health promotion programs; however, few studies have systematically studied these relationships. This study examined associations between pastor support and program-related variables among African American churches taking part in a physical activity and dietary intervention. Results showed that some pastor support-related variables were associated with participant recruitment, retention, and implementation of study requirements but not to changes in health behavior outcomes. Much work remains in how to conceptualize and measure pastor support. A better understanding of the pastor's role may assist in developing more effective faith-based programs.

Language: en