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American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
3097.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - 11:24 AM

Abstract #108467

Goal attainment scaling: A supplemental approach to measuring change in intervention studies for persons with chronic disabling conditions

Alexa K. Stuifbergen, PhD, RN, School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, 1700 Red River, Austin, TX 78701, 512-232-4710, astuifbergen@mail.utexas.edu

Many intervention studies are unable to demonstrate changes in outcomes during the study. While insufficient sample sizes, weak treatments, and poor statistical designs can all contribute to lack of measurable change following an intervention, adequacy of measurement is a critical factor in any study. The purpose of this presentation is to describe the use of Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) methods to supplement existing questionnaire and physiological measures. We have used GAS in two studies (RO1 HD35047 and 2 R01HD35047) to assess response to a lifestyle change intervention for women with chronic disabling conditions of multiple sclerosis (N=113) and fibromyalgia syndrome (N=120). GAS was used with the intervention group that completed an eight-week educational/skill building lifestyle change program and a three-month phone follow-up. At the end of classes, participants identified goals that could be achieved in the next three months. Goals were scaled from -2 (much less than expected) to +2 (much better than expected) outcome. Goal attainment was measured at baseline and at 2 months, 3 ½ months, 5 months and 8 months post baseline. The pattern of goal attainment scores for the MS participants indicated that a majority achieved or exceeded their goal by six weeks post-class. Although there was some decline in scale scores over time, gains were maintained over a six-month post intervention period. Women with fibromyalgia syndrome made progress but experienced lower levels of goal attainment. GAS allowed comparisons across groups and was sensitive to incremental changes common in many intervention studies.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Health Promotion, Disability

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

[ Recorded presentation ] Recorded presentation

Disability and Health Promotion I

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA