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

Abstract #72782

Sherry Rose, MA, MPH¹, Steve Holburn, PhD², and Peter Vietze, PhD². (1) United Cerebral Palsy of New York City, 120 East 23rd Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10010, (212) 979-9700, srose@ucpnyc.org, (2) UCP/NYC, NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 120 East 23rd St, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10010

Secondary conditions are a significant public health problem among people with cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities. Despite the fact that they are medically fragile, adults with cerebral palsy typically fall through the cracks when it comes to health promotion programming. The risk of secondary conditions can be reduced and managed through prevention programs, resulting in enhanced health status and quality of life. Based on the Institute of Medicine’s secondary conditions model of health promotion, United Cerebral Palsy of NYC (UCP/NYC) set out to establish and evaluate the effects of a health promotion program designed to improve the health and well being of individuals with cerebral palsy and associated disabilities. 32 men and 40 women with cerebral palsy and mild mental retardation who attended UCP/NYC day programs were selected to receive either the health promotion program (treatment group) or traditional agency services (comparison group). Six health promotion workshops covering a variety of topics were implemented over a 6-month period. Program effects were assessed using pre, post, and interim questionnaires administered in interview fashion. Although there were few significant differences in the major health indicators assessed through the survey we developed to ascertain health status and risks specific to people with CP/MR, we identified correlates of health indicators. The strongest predictor of overall physical health was emotional status, which measured anxiety and depression. Suggestions are made for intervention improvements.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the Institute of Medicine's Secondary Conditions Model
• Describe the importance of health promotion in reducing or managing secondary conditions in individuals with cerebral palsy and mental retardation
• identify common secondary conditions associated with CP 4)Discuss the health profile of individuals with CP/MR

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.