Health promotion via deaf-friendly ministries

J Cancer Educ. 2012 Dec;27(4):606-11. doi: 10.1007/s13187-012-0410-8.

Abstract

Deaf community members face many barriers to accessing health information. This paper discusses the feasibility of creating a nationwide network of Deaf-friendly ministries to help disseminate cancer information in American Sign Language (ASL) to the Deaf community. Deaf-friendly ministries (N = 403), identified through Internet searches and one-on-one referrals, were sent up to three mailed invitations to join the network. Over half of the ministries responded, with 191 (47.4 %) of the ministries joining the network, completing a baseline survey and receiving ASL cancer education videos to share with members of their congregation and community. Fifteen (3.7 %) responded that they were not interested or no longer had a Deaf-friendly ministry; the rest did not respond or their invitations were returned as undeliverable. As the program progressed, an additional 238 Deaf-friendly ministries were identified. To date, 61 (25.6 %) agreed to participate after the single invitation that was mailed. This network of Deaf-friendly ministries offers a promising dissemination partner.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Education of Hearing Disabled*
  • Government Agencies / organization & administration*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Promotion*
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Humans
  • Information Services / supply & distribution*
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Sign Language
  • Videotape Recording