TY - JOUR
T1 - The role of health policies in faith-based institutions in promoting health and changing food practices
T2 - The philadelphia ujima experience
AU - Robertson-James, Candace
AU - Sawyer, Lidyvez
AU - Mertus, Sulianie
AU - Robertson, Diana
AU - Congleton, Sharon
AU - Watkins, Suzanne
AU - Wolf, Judith
AU - Núñez, Ana
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2018 Johns Hopkins University Press.
PY - 2018
Y1 - 2018
N2 - BACKGROUND: The Philadelphia Ujima Health Collaborative uses a community-based participatory research framework to address nutrition in underserved communities. Participation in individual-level focused health promotion activities motivated two faith-based partners to develop wellness policies to better inform their health promoting practices, specifically around food served at church events. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effectiveness of church-based policies in influencing 1) organizational practices regarding food and beverages served and sold and 2) individual attitudes and practices toward healthy eating. METHODS: Congregants completed questionnaires assessing their knowledge and awareness of the policy as well as observed changes in institutional and personal practices. Additionally key informant interviews were conducted with ministry leaders and members. RESULTS: As a result of the wellness policies developed, sites increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, and water at events. Institutional barriers and lessons learned were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Effective community-academic partnerships using community participatory approaches with a health in all policies focus can improve health behaviors in diverse and underserved communities and engage them to play an active role in health promotion.
AB - BACKGROUND: The Philadelphia Ujima Health Collaborative uses a community-based participatory research framework to address nutrition in underserved communities. Participation in individual-level focused health promotion activities motivated two faith-based partners to develop wellness policies to better inform their health promoting practices, specifically around food served at church events. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effectiveness of church-based policies in influencing 1) organizational practices regarding food and beverages served and sold and 2) individual attitudes and practices toward healthy eating. METHODS: Congregants completed questionnaires assessing their knowledge and awareness of the policy as well as observed changes in institutional and personal practices. Additionally key informant interviews were conducted with ministry leaders and members. RESULTS: As a result of the wellness policies developed, sites increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, and water at events. Institutional barriers and lessons learned were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Effective community-academic partnerships using community participatory approaches with a health in all policies focus can improve health behaviors in diverse and underserved communities and engage them to play an active role in health promotion.
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M3 - Article
C2 - 30739896
AN - SCOPUS:85061237136
SN - 1557-0541
VL - 12
SP - 419
EP - 429
JO - Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action
JF - Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action
IS - 4
ER -