A pilot study of community based participatory research methods among Brazilian church members.

Abstract

A CBPR-based study was conducted to examine health status, self-reported health behaviors, spiritual wellbeing, and program interests among Brazilian church members (N = 66) and to identify key informant (N = 6) perceptions about research procedures, community needs, and the health promotion capacity of local churches. A self-administered survey and a qualitative Delphi technique were used. Significant associations were detected among self-reported mentally unhealthy days, spiritual wellbeing, age, current health status, and health care coverage and access. Program interests included a focus on depression and anxiety, which was also validated as a health concern among survey participants. The Delphi results validated the need, desire, potential capacity, and benefits of training local church members to promote health in their communities. CBPR-specific outcomes included community support for on-going research and health promotion programming in Brazilian churches.