Pastors' perceptions of faith-based cancer prevention/early detection programs in Virginia: a mixed methods study.

Physical activity and healthy eating programs were the most commonly offered cancer prevention/early detection programs among surveyed churches.

• Physical activity programs were offered by 47% of churches
• Healthy eating programs were offered by 40% of churches
• Nine different cancer prevention/early detection programs were assessed in total
• Survey sample included 213 pastors

Pastors' perceived importance of cancer prevention/early detection programs was low, while perceived feasibility was moderately high.

• Mean perceived importance was 2.38 out of 4 across the nine programs
• Mean perceived feasibility was 3.11 out of 4 across the nine programs
• These ratings were assessed via survey across 213 pastors
• The gap between importance and feasibility ratings suggests pastors feel capable of offering programs even if they do not prioritize them

Qualitative interviews identified internal support, church characteristics, and pastor health interest as prominent subthemes describing pastors' perceived importance of cancer prevention programs.

• A subsample of 17 pastors participated in interviews
• The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research guided the interview guide development
• Convergent parallel analysis was used to triangulate quantitative and qualitative results
• These subthemes further described factors influencing whether pastors viewed cancer prevention programs as important

While pastors perceived cancer prevention/early detection programs to be feasible, many reported lacking the resources necessary to deliver them.

• Resource limitations were identified as a key impediment to program delivery in qualitative interviews
• Perceived feasibility subthemes revealed a discrepancy between perceived ability and actual resource availability
• 17 pastors participated in the qualitative interview phase
• Public health partnerships were identified as a potential mechanism to mitigate resource limitations and improve program sustainability

The study used a mixed methods convergent parallel design guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to examine pastors' views on faith-based cancer programs.

• Phase one involved a survey of 213 pastors assessing program offerings, perceived importance, and perceived feasibility
• Phase two involved in-depth interviews with a subsample of 17 pastors
• The CFIR guided both survey and interview guide development
• Convergent parallel analysis was used to triangulate quantitative and qualitative results
• The study was conducted in Virginia