(P20-028-25) Exploring a Relationship Between Religious Activities and Obesity Among Black Women in Northern Alabama

Objectives: The objective of the quantitive correlational study was to examine the relationship between religious activities and obesity among African American women in Northern Alabama. Religion, spirituality, and churches have a long history of importance in the African American culture. 

Research question: To what extent is there a relationship between church or religious activities and obesity among Black women in Northern Alabama.

Hypotheses
Ho1 = There is no significant relationship between church or religious activities and obesity among Black women in Northern Alabama. 
Ha1 = There is a significant relationship between church or religious activities and obesity among Black women in Northern Alabama.

Methods: A quantitative correlational design was used for the study and face-to-face enrollment for data collection. The variables for the study were BMI, church attendance, and religious activities. The study participants consisted of women 19 years and older who identified themselves as African American or Black. Women were recruited locally from communities in Huntsville, Alabama. Flyers were posted at a local community health center.

Participants completed the Duke University Religion Index (DUREL), a 5-question paper survey instrument that assessed the major dimensions of religious involvement. Height and weight were collected to determine BMI.

Results: Spearman product correlation of BMI and attendance of church or other religious meetings was found to be negatively low and not statistically significant (r = -.035, p > .05). Spearman product correlation of religious activities such as prayer, meditation, or Bible study was positively low correlated with BMI and not statistically significant (r = .030, p > .05). In addition, 51.6% of the respondents attended church or other religious meeting more than once a week. The mean age of the participants was 49 years old.

Conclusions: Obese Black women in Northern Alabama are highly religious and this study may provide researchers insight into understanding how church or religious activities can be used when considering health-promoting activities or interventions for obese Black women. Further research could investigate health practices and how health ministries within churches can raise awareness regarding the importance of weight management for Black women.

Funding Sources: N/A