A qualitative exploration of a faith-based cancer prevention intervention: The community partner perspective

Interventions focusing on reducing barriers to breast cancer screening in African American women have garnered some success. Evaluation of these research efforts from the perspective of community partners has received little to no attention in the literature. This dissertation explores the perspectives of pastors and lay health coordinators (LHCs) on their respective roles in the implementation of a Komen-funded breast cancer prevention intervention including their attitudes and beliefs on religion/spirituality and health.; First, a synthesis of breast cancer interventions among African American women described as faith-based (FB) or church-based (CB) is provided. Intervention format, theory used, community and religious organization involvement are noted. Although intervention formats varied all focused on breast cancer education and screening. The Health Belief Model was the theory most cited. Community involvement was most often described as a Community Advisory Board and three of the six interventions involved the use of lay health workers. The incorporation of spiritual or religious components varied among the intervention formats. Second, the conceptualization of the evaluation addressing the community partner perspective using a CBPR approach is provided. The impact factors identified included: (1) Level of satisfaction with the partnership process; (2) Expectations from partnering in faith-based health promotion research; and (3) Exploration of religion/spirituality and health beliefs.; Third, key informant interviews were conducted with pastors and LHCs involved in the Komen Project. Data analysis was conducted using the transcribed interviews and qualitative software. The dominant theme, A Commitment to Holism: Improving the Health of the Community through Partnership, emerged from the pastor interview transcripts. A Link between the Community and Research was the dominant theme that emerged from LHC interview transcripts. Cross-cutting themes included: The Church's Ability to Continue Health Programs; Faith and Spirituality in Cancer Prevention Programs; Inclusive Faith-Based Health Promotion Interventions; and Program Improvement and Interests for Future Health Programs.; Several important themes emerged from the qualitative data that have implications for planning, implementing, and further evaluating faith-based health promotion interventions for African Americans. The feedback of community health partners is integral and should be considered when evaluating CBPR programs.