Abstract
IntroductionBlack African communities in the U.K suffer from health disparities compared to the general population. This has been attributed to the lack of culturally sensitive interventions that are meaningful to them. Faith leaders are an integral part of the community and are known to have immense influence on health behaviour of congregants and community members. However, their role in health behaviour change (alcohol and tobacco use) has been largely neglected. The aim of this study is to explore the views of Black African Christians on the role of their faith leaders in their health behaviour, with particular focus on the extent of influence and mechanisms that foster this.MethodsEight (8) semi-structured interviews were conducted with Black African Christians between the ages of 25-44, from two churches in Leeds, UK. Data were analysed using the principles of thematic analysis.ResultsFindings revealed that faith leaders could play a very important role in the health behaviour of their congregants. Faith leaders are able to influence health behaviour not only on the individual level but also on a socio-cultural and environmental level. They exert such influence through several mediators including through scriptural influence, social influence and by serving as a role models. However, no single mediator has been found to be exclusively associated to health behaviour change.ConclusionCongregants view faith leaders as having an immense influence on their health behaviour. As a community resource, faith leaders could be better positioned to organize and foster community participation in health matters. Health promoters should thus consider collaborations with faith leaders to enhance the health of their community.
Highlights
Black African communities in the U.K suffer from health disparities compared to the general population
These findings are of significance to the design of future health promotion programmes aimed at the Black African minority in the United Kingdom (UK)
Congregants view faith leader as having an immense influence on their health behaviour. Faith leaders exert their influence at the individual view faith leader, and through social and environmental factors that can potentially lead to a higher probability of behaviour change
Summary
Black African communities in the U.K suffer from health disparities compared to the general population This has been attributed to the lack of culturally sensitive interventions that are meaningful to them. According to Public Health England, there are health disparities between Black Africans and the general population in the England and especially in Leeds where the health of the population is poorer than the national average [1,2] This results in poorer health, less success in accessing health-related services, and a life expectancy rate that is lower for all ages [3]. Health services can be tailored that meet the specific needs of the population by drawing on the expertise of members of the community e.g faith leaders Such interventions have the potential to be more meaningful and to have a higher likelihood of resulting in behavioural change [10]
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