The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #67324

May T. Dobal, PhD, RN, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Nursing Education Building, 420 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19104, 313-622-3242, mdobal@nursing.upenn.edu and Feleta L. Wilson, PhD, RN, College of Nursing, Wayne State University, 354 Cohn Bldg., 5557 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI 48202.

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to a) design, implement, and test a weight management program for the medically underserved, b) examine the socio-economic and cultural factors associated with weight management, and c) explore the dietary practices, beliefs, and attitudes toward weight reduction and exercise among medically underserved patients in an urban setting. Research Design: A factorial randomized three-group, experimental design was used. The group assignment is as follows: Control Group - Standard weight loss treatment offered by the health center; Experimental Group 1 - Diet, exercise, and support; and Experimental Group 2 - Modification of Experimental Group 1 based on feedback from the participants. Setting/Sample: Subjects were recruited from Detroit Community Health Center, Inc., an FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center) in Detroit, MI. There is a strong focus on people who are uninsured, underinsured, or reside in medically underserved areas. A random sample of 117 patients, 21 years and older, were recruited. Instruments: The following instruments were used: Health Beliefs about Obesity (measures health beliefs about weight management); Decisional Balance Inventory (measures the pros and cons associated with the decision to change behavior); Knowledge about Obesity and Exercise Questionnaire (measures knowledge about obesity and exercise); and REALM (Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine - measure adult literacy). Data Analysis: Descriptive statistics, Pearson Product-Moment Correlations, and mix design ANOVA will be used to answer research questions and hypotheses.

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, Weight Management

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