Church Leaders' Views of Obesity Prevention Efforts for Children and Youth

Abstract

Objective: To examine church leaders' views on the role of faith-based organizations in promoting healthy eating and physical activity in children.

Design: Qualitative research using semi-structured in-depth interviews.

Setting: South Carolina.

Participants: Leaders (n = 26) from United Methodist churches (n = 20).

Phenomenon of interest: Perceptions of health promotion efforts for children in faith-based settings, including primary health concerns, perceived opportunities, partnerships, and the relationship of these efforts to the overall church mission.

Analysis: Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded using a constant comparative method.

Results: Five themes emerged related to (1) multiple concerns about health issues facing children; (2) existing church structures influencing health behaviors; (3) potential partnerships to address children's health; (4) importance of role models; and (5) the need for a tailored approach.

Conclusions and implications: Church leaders viewed childhood health behaviors as an important area of concern for the church and identified links between physical and spiritual health. They identified multiple existing and potential organizational and community structures as important in improving healthy eating and physical activity. Faith-based organizations can play an important role in developing and delivering health programming for children but desired assistance through partnerships with subject matter experts.

Keywords: community health; exercise; healthy diet; pediatric obesity.