Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Agricultural Extension Education and Evaluation
Document Type
Dissertation
Abstract
Given the growing burden of chronic diseases nationwide, preventive care is essential for the prevention of chronic diseases. Faith-based communities serve as invaluable platforms for delivering health and wellness education to their members; moreover, they influence congregants' behaviors and attitudes towards preventive health measures. This study examined the impact of wellness ministries within Louisiana African American Baptist faith-based communities, focusing on how these ministries influenced health behaviors and promote chronic disease prevention among congregants. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study examined preventive health behavior guided through attitudes, perceived social pressure, perceived behavior control, intention to seek preventive care, and preventive care behaviors.
This research employed a quantitative approach using a survey instrument consisting of six sections: attitudes, perceived social pressure, perceived behavioral control, intention to seek preventive care, preventive care behaviors, church-led health initiatives, and demographics. Three hundred twenty-five respondents of the Louisiana African American Baptist faith-based communities completed the survey instrument. Descriptive data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviation as appropriate. Relationships among continuous variables were assessed using a Pearson Product-Moment Correlation and relationship between dichotomous and continuous variables were accessed using point bi-serial. Differences between continuous variables and gender were assessed using a one-way analysis of variance. Sequential regression was used to determine if a model exists that explained preventative care behaviors.
Engagement in preventive care consisted of middle-aged African American respondents mainly consisting of females, with a limited number of males. Positive attitudes were valued towards receiving preventive care as well as social support. Preventive care showed significant differences with gender, church-led initiatives, and perceived behavior control of preventive care, while attitudes toward preventive care, social pressure for preventive care and intention to seek preventive care were not statistically significant. Engagement in preventive care is influenced by factors specifically in their confidence or actively involved in church-led initiatives. Wellness ministries should continue to serve as a catalyst in reaching congregants through church-led initiatives, foster supportive environments while strengthening engagement in preventive care to reduce and manage chronic diseases.
Date
7-1-2026
Recommended Citation
McCarty, Shatonia C., "An Examination of the Impact of Wellness Ministries on Healthy Behaviors in Louisiana African American Baptist Faith Communities" (2026). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 7117.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/7117
Committee Chair
Cater, Melissa W.
LSU Acknowledgement
1
LSU Accessibility Acknowledgment
1