An Examination of Personal Health Promotion and Curricular Coverage of Health at US Seminary Schools

Seminary schools train clergy members, who have significant influence on the health-related environment of their faith-based organizations. The purpose of this study was to examine health promotion in seminary schools, including curriculum coverage of health-related topics. This cross-sectional, mixed methods study used print and online surveys. Seminary schools (n = 57) self-reported approaches to health and health-related curriculum. Most schools emphasized the inclusion of health in clerical practice, and healthy behaviors among students, and covered holistic views of health and self-care issues within their curriculum. This study provides insight into how seminary schools are training future generations of clergy on health-related topics.