The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #40255

May T. Dobal, PhD, RN and Feleta L. Wilson, PhD, RN. College of Nursing, Wayne State University, 362 Cohn Bldg., 5557 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI 48202, 313/577-2221, mdobal@wayne.edu

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the health beliefs and decisions of medically underserved patients that facilitate or impede their participation in a weight management and exercise program. Unhealthy behaviors are key factors that contribute to increased mortality and morbidity associated with obesity. Poor dietary-intake and sedentary lifestyles are characteristics of the way many Americans live. The population most affected is the poor, low-income, uninsured, and underinsured that reside in urban communities. Despite numerous efforts to bridge the gaps in healthcare for the medically uninsured, healthcare providers are faced with the challenge of developing innovative and effective strategies and interventions that reduce or alter unhealthy behaviors and result in positive patient outcomes. Participants were selected from patients who attended one of the three Detroit Community Health Connection centers. Participants were 21 years or older, had a BMI greater than 25, and were physically and mentally able to participate. Six to eight participants were assigned to each focus group (n=5). The focus groups were conducted using semi-structured interview guides consisting of open-ended questions about weight management and exercise. The questions were based on the Health Belief Model. Qualitative data analysis will be used to code themes, manage large qualitative datasets, retrieve large amounts of data, and explore relationships by visualizing, integrating, and exploring the data.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe the health beliefs that facilitate or impede participation of the medically underserved in a weight management and exercise program.
• Describe the decisions that facilitate or impede participation of the medically underserved in a weight management and exercise program.
• Identify financial, psychosocial, and system-level barriers to participation in a weight management and exercise program by the medically underserved.
• Apply the findings from this project in the planning, development, and implementation of weight and exercise programs for the medically underserved.

Keywords: Urban Health Services Barriers, Obesity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Detroit Community Health Connection Detroit, MI
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.