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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Julie Gast, PhD, Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, Utah State University, 7000 University BLVD, Logan, UT 84322-7000, 435-797-1490, julieg@cc.usu.edu and Terry Peak, PhD, Sociology, Social Work, and Anthropology, Utah State University, 0730 University BLVD, Logan, UT 84322-0730.

Previous research by one of the authors indicated that women's church groups are an excellent way to both address and assess the health concerns of a group of women who are diverse in terms of socioeconomic status, education levels, employment status, and race/ethnicity. In addition, previous research found including the target audience in program planning was critical for effective health education. Our current research replicates and expands on the earlier women's health study with an exploration of focus groups of men and their health concerns. Four focus groups were held with a volunteer sample of men from four separate church denominations (Presbyterian, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Catholic, and Episcopal). Topics discussed in the focus groups included: (1) perceptions of health issues in the community (2) perceptions of health concerns of men in general (3) personal health concerns and behaviors related to health (4) utilization of health services and suggestions for improvement of services (5) assessment of level of interest in church-based health promotion programs and (6) cultural competence in the delivery of health programs. Focus groups were both audio- and videotaped. Data were analyzed using Nvivo software. Interestingly, some concerns appeared to be universal across denominations while other issues seemed more specific to men of certain denominations. The perception of spiritual beliefs impacting health decision making varied across denominations. Additionally, men's assessment of health concerns as an appropriate topic for church discussion also varied across groups. Other themes and implications will be discussed.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the session attendees will be able to

• identify three reasons why men's health issues are of increasing concern for health education.
• identify four reasons why focus groups are ideal for community needs assessments.
• identify emerging themes on how health concerns among men differ by church denomination.
• identify the emerging themes related to how men obtain health information.
• identify emerging themes on who makes health related decisions in households by denomination
• identify emerging themes on if health programs are both culturally competent as well as religiously competent for men.
• identify by denomination how religious beliefs guide health behaviors, if at all.
• identify which denominations are interested in church based collaboration for health education.

Keywords: Access and Services, Faith Community

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered