Development of a Spiritually Based Educational Program to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Among African American Men and Women

Abstract

This study describes the development of a spiritually based intervention to increase colorectal cancer screening through African American churches by framing the health message with spiritual themes and scripture. The intervention development phase consisted of ideas from an advisory panel and core content identified in focus groups. In the pilot-testing phase, prototypes of the intervention materials were tested for graphic appeal in additional focus groups, and content was tested for acceptability and comprehension in cognitive interviews. Participants preferred materials showing a variety of African Americans in real settings, bright color schemes, and an uplifting message emphasizing prevention and early detection. Spiritual themes such as stewardship over the body, being well to serve God, and using faith to overcome fear, were well received. The materials were then finalized for implementation and will be used by community health advisors to encourage screening.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This work was supported by grant 5U48DP00046-03 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and was approved by the University of Alabama at Birmingham Institutional Review Board (No. X051004002). The findings and conclusions in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The authors acknowledge the contributions of Elise McLin, Luevenia Barnes, and Mel Johnson, who contributed to the pilot testing of the intervention materials.