Keeping the FAITH!: Psychosocial Factors and Healthy Lifestyle Among African-Americans During the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, FAITH!—a community-academic partnership with African American churches—surveyed 169 African American adults in Minnesota to understand how pandemic-related stressors affected their ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Over half of respondents reported difficulty staying healthy, which was strongly linked to mental health challenges like stress, depression, anxiety, and anger.
Sage Journals Sept 2025
During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, FAITH!—a community-academic partnership with African American churches—surveyed 169 African American adults in Minnesota to understand how pandemic-related stressors affected their ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Over half of respondents reported difficulty staying healthy, which was strongly linked to mental health challenges like stress, depression, anxiety, and anger. Financial hardships such as job insecurity, trouble paying rent, and difficulty affording food and utilities were also major contributors. Those facing multiple hardships had significantly higher odds of struggling to maintain healthy habits.
The survey revealed that faith-based practices and church communities played a vital role in helping individuals cope with emotional stress. Respondents leaned on spirituality, physical activity, and virtual support groups to manage their well-being. The findings highlight how social determinants of health—like income, housing, and access to care—intersect with mental health and lifestyle behaviors during public health crises. The study calls for culturally tailored, community-based interventions and policies that address these challenges, especially for marginalized populations disproportionately affected by emergencies.
The Association Between Perceived Discrimination, Age and Proportion of Lifetime in the United States Among Somali Immigrants: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
RHCP conducted a survey with Somali immigrants in Southeast Minnesota to explore how age and time spent in the U.S. relate to experiences of discrimination. Using the Everyday Discrimination Scale, they found that younger adults (ages 18–40) reported more frequent and chronic discrimination than older adults. Men and those with higher education or mid-range incomes also reported more discrimination.
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health Jul 2025
RHCP conducted a survey with Somali immigrants in Southeast Minnesota to explore how age and time spent in the U.S. relate to experiences of discrimination. Using the Everyday Discrimination Scale, they found that younger adults (ages 18–40) reported more frequent and chronic discrimination than older adults. Men and those with higher education or mid-range incomes also reported more discrimination. Common experiences included being treated with less respect, receiving poor service, and being perceived as unintelligent. Religion, ancestry, and race were the most frequently cited reasons for these experiences.
The proportion of a person’s life spent in the U.S. did not significantly affect their reported discrimination. Researchers suggest that younger adults may be more aware of discrimination due to education and social exposure, while older adults may experience less by staying within their communities. The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive tools to measure discrimination and calls for policies that address the unique challenges faced by Somali immigrants. It also emphasizes that discrimination is a public health issue, particularly for younger individuals navigating identity and societal expectations.
Negative Mood is Associated with Sociobehavioral Factors Contributing to Cardiovascular Risk in an Immigrant Population
Among Hispanic/Latino and Somali immigrants in southeast Minnesota, those who reported feeling down or in a negative mood were more likely to face challenges with healthy eating, physical activity, and feeling connected to their communities. These individuals tended to eat fewer fruits and vegetables, drink more sugary beverages, and had lower confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
BMC Public Health Jul 2024
Among Hispanic/Latino and Somali immigrants in southeast Minnesota, those who reported feeling down or in a negative mood were more likely to face challenges with healthy eating, physical activity, and feeling connected to their communities. These individuals tended to eat fewer fruits and vegetables, drink more sugary beverages, and had lower confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. They also received less encouragement from family and friends to engage in healthy behaviors and were less likely to access community resources that support nutrition and physical activity.
The RHCP-led weight loss program, which uses social networks to promote healthier lifestyles, found that mood plays a key role in shaping health behaviors. Participants with a negative mood were more likely to feel isolated and less supported, which may contribute to higher cardiovascular risk. These findings suggest that addressing emotional well-being and building self-confidence could strengthen health interventions in immigrant communities. Incorporating strategies that boost mood and social support may help improve outcomes and reduce health disparities.
Relationship Between Negative Mood and Health Behaviors in an Immigrant and Refugee Population
Baseline data from RHCP’s Healthy Immigrant Families project revealed a strong link between mood and health behaviors among immigrant and refugee adolescents and adults in Rochester, Minnesota. Adolescents with positive mood were significantly more active, consumed less soda, and reported greater social support for physical activity.
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health Sept 2016
Baseline data from RHCP’s Healthy Immigrant Families project revealed a strong link between mood and health behaviors among immigrant and refugee adolescents and adults in Rochester, Minnesota. Adolescents with positive mood were significantly more active, consumed less soda, and reported greater social support for physical activity. Adults with positive mood showed higher self-efficacy for physical activity, snacked more frequently on fruits and vegetables, and rated their physical well-being more positively. These findings suggest that mood may influence both motivation and engagement in healthy behaviors, with social support and self-confidence acting as key mediators.
The study highlights the importance of integrating mood assessment and management into health interventions targeting immigrant populations. While physical activity levels among adults did not differ significantly by mood, their confidence and perceived well-being did, indicating potential for future behavior change. The results underscore the need for culturally tailored, community-based programs that address emotional health alongside nutrition and physical activity. RHCP’s CBPR approach, which emphasized trust, cultural relevance, and community ownership, provides a promising model for addressing health disparities in immigrant and refugee communities.