Currently, there is limited knowledge related to how individuals with disabilities define health and wellness, and which health practices, barriers and opportunities have the most critical impact on health promotion. The purpose of this presentation is to describe a recent qualitative study conducted by the RRTC on Health and Wellness at Oregon Health Sciences University which sought to develop a broader understanding of how people with disabilities perceive and experience wellness in their daily lives. The study involved focus groups conducted with 99 participants recruited from California, Texas and Oregon. The sample was purposive with diversity in ethnicity, age, gender, type and severity of disability. Transcripts of all focus groups were reviewed and themes were identified, consolidated and reduced to the most salient categories using Nudist software. During the presentation, preliminary findings will be reveiwed in four areas: 1) how individuals with disabilities define health and wellness and what factors influence their definitions; 2) practices individuals with disabilities and providers can use to promote the health and wellness of individuals with disabilities; 3) major barriers to health and wellness promotion for individuals with disabilities; and 4) opportunities that exist to address the barriers to health promotion access and participation. In addition, attendees will hear about a model of health and wellness promotion for persons with disabilities that takes into account the role of culture, gender, age and other important factors.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to identify practices that individuals with disabilities and providers can use to promote the health and wellness of individuals with disabilities.
Keywords: Health,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Rehabilitation Research Training Center on Health and Wellness Consortium centered at Oregon Health Sciences University.
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment