Population-based health promotion frequently relies on community organizations to deliver health behavior change interventions. We will present the results of our initial recruitment of religious organizations (ROs) into a randomized trial of dietary change. We mailed to the membership list of a local multidenominational religious umbrella organization. We recruited organizations in two waves: 16 ROs during the first wave and 26 ROs during the second wave. Recruitment consisted of a short telephone screening survey, followed by an informational meeting. Twenty-three percent of ROs initially contacted by telephone were ineligible due to size (<100 or >2000 English-speaking active members). Ten percent of eligible ROs contacted were not interested, and reasons included lack of time (26%), other priorities besides health (9%), already having a health program (17%). No survey was received from 46% of organizations, either due to lack of working telephone number (1%), no contact after extensive attempts (26%), or refusal to complete survey (19%). In addition, 7% of organizations on the list provided by the umbrella organization had disbanded at the time we tried to initiate contact. The only difference found in member age proportions, ethnic make-up or educational levels between the enrolled and non-enrolled organizations was a tendency towards fewer children under the age of 12 and fewer Hispanics in the enrolled ROs. Of the 42 enrolled ROs, 81% supported some type of pre-existing health-related program. These data will be helpful in trying to recruit and work with community organizations to implement
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify important factors in recruitment and collaboration with religious organizations. 2. Discuss the steps involved in recruiting religious organizations into a dietary change program. 3. Recruit religious organizations into a community-based health promotion program
Keywords: Faith Community, Community-Based Health Promotion
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.