Respondents
also mentioned that following God’s rules is a form
of prevention in itself. For instance, one screened
woman said: “Well, if you believe in God, you abide
by God’s principles. Certain things that you are
not supposed to do, you wouldn’t do. So, that is
prevention because you took precautions by following
God’s rule.” Similarly, some recognized the
importance of a higher power and also understood
that they still need to take care of their health. For
example, one screened woman said: “I believe in
God and I believe that you should play your part as
an individual to live better.” Other responses conveyed
that the primacy of a spiritual higher power
precludes the need for preventive services because
health and wellbeing are ultimately up to God.
Some comments include: “People who have faith…
know that God is the healer. So, to that extent
maybe they don’t always run to the doctor when
something is wrong” (unscreened woman). “Some
people believe that they don’t have to get tested
that they can pray about it and… God will tell them
what the issues are and then God will cure them”
(screened woman)