An examination of health promotion practices in seminary schools: Implications for clergy in training

Seminary schools are responsible for training clergy members and clergy have been shown to be influential on the health environment of faith-based organizations. The purpose of this study was to document the current health environment at seminaries in the United States. This was a cross-sectional, mixed method study using print and online surveys. Seminary schools (n=57, representing 28% of the seminaries in the US) in the United States self-reported on health programs and policies at seminary schools. Basic statistics described the sample, health programs and related polices available at schools; t-tests and chi-square tests examined differences between large and small schools. On average campuses offered 2.59±1.68 health resources for students, with campus exercise facilities (n=30, 60%) as the most common resource available. Most reported smoking restrictions on campus, limited bike parking, considerable ease for parking on campus, and driving as the most common mode of travel to campus. Larger seminaries were more likely to report a physical activity/exercise center on campus (χ2=10.73, df=1, p=0.001) and reported more health and wellness resources (t=2.32, p=0.02) compared with smaller schools. Smaller schools reported more strict smoking policies and were more likely to report that smoking was not permitted at all on campus (χ2=7.00, df=2, p=0.03). Larger schools were more likely to offer more bike parking (χ2=10.28, df=4, p=0.03). These results provide some insight into the health-related environment of seminary schools influencing the next generation of clergy members. These institutions should be recognized as an invaluable partner for health promoting interventions.