Project W.E.A.L.T.H., a study for women with mobility impairments, compared a traditional educational workshop series (EWS) to an EWS plus nurse-supported component, to a comparison group (no intervention) in effecting health promoting behavior change. Participants (n=85) were aged 20-65, could answer questions independently, and had a variety of mobility impairments (e.g., cerebral palsy, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis). Five workshops (e.g., nutrition, fitness, self-defense), chosen by focus group consensus, were given over an 18 months period; a six month nursing intervention for a random selection of women was administered concurrently with the second half of the workshop series. Participants were administered pre- and post- intervention health profiles by telephone, consisting of eight instruments (e.g., SF-36, Health Perception Questionnaire, Health Promoting Lifestyle II (HPLP II)) as well as demographic information. One-way analysis of variance was used to assess the post-intervention scores by intervention group; a p value of 0.10 was suggestive of effect in these preliminary analyses. Results indicated that the post-intervention Health Promoting Lifestyle II scores differed by intervention group. Of the seven factor scores, significant differences were noted in the areas of overall HPLP II score, health responsibility, interpersonal relations and stress management while no differences were noted for physical activity, nutrition and spiritual growth; the workshop group had higher scores than either the comparison or EWS-nurse-support groups in all instances. This instrument may be successful in measuring differences in the health behavior change of women with mobility limitations across time.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. Recognize the effectiveness of the HPLPII in measuring differences in health behavior change for a group of women with mobility impairments.
Keywords: Health Promotion, Women
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.