Strategies for Designing Clergy and Spouse Obesity-Related Programs

Clergy have influence on the health of congregations and communities yet struggle with health behaviors. Interventions tailored to their occupation-specific demands and unique needs may provide a solution. Qualitative methods were used to identify opportunities and resources for the development of an effective obesity-related program for clergy.

Ninety-minute focus groups were held with clergy (3 groups) and spouses (3 separate groups). Discussion explored: Program target(s); Opportunities and barriers that influence diet, physical activity, and stress-reduction practices; Empowering and culturally relevant health promotion strategies.

All study activities took place in Memphis, TN.

Eighteen clergy and fourteen spouses participated. All clergy were male, all spouses were female.

Previous research with clergy informed the interview guide and the PEN-3 framework aided in organizing the coding of clergy and spouse focus groups. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcripts analyzed using NVivo® 12.

Themes included: 1) Intervention targets-clergy, spouses, congregations; 2) Opportunities and barriers-making time, establishing boundaries, church traditions, individuals who support and hinder behavior change; 3) Intervention strategies-tools for healthy eating, goal setting, camaraderie, combining face-to-face with eHealth modalities.

The relationship between clergy, spouse, and congregation make it important for obesity-related programs to target the unique needs of both clergy and spouses. Strategies should focus on healthy eating and personal connections no matter the modality used.