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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Rachel L. Parrill, BSN, RN, College of Nursing and Health, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435, (937) 766-6219, parrill.5@wright.edu

The research project, based on social justice in health, describes how women living at or below the federal poverty guidelines rate their health promotion self-efficacy. Research has shown that while low income women experience high rates of morbidity and mortality (Duffy, 1997; Jun, Subramanian, Gortmaker and Kawachi, 2004; Kawachi, et al., 1999; Lantz, et al., 1998; and Power, Manor and Matthews, 1999), health promotion can influence health and well-being. Self-efficacy, the belief that one can accomplish a task despite setbacks, has been shown to be a contributing factor in the performance of health promotion activities (Dishman, et. Al, 2004; Steptoe, Rink & Kerry, 2000; Weitzel, 1989; Von, et al., 2004; Wu and Pender, 2002). The study employs the Health Promotion Model, which depicts self-efficacy as one determinant of the performance of health promoting behaviors (Pender, 2002). The study seeks to validate several descriptive studies that have outlined the relationship between self-efficacy and the performance of health promoting behaviors (Dishman, et al., 2004; Steptoe, Rink & Kerry, 2000; Weitzel, 1989; Von, et al., 2004; Wu & Pender, 2002). It also seeks to address a perceived gap in the literature regarding self-efficacy in low income women independent of other demographic variables. Completed research tools were obtained from 39 participants. Females, aged 18 and above, were recruited from a urban health district and a primary health care clinic. The convienence sampling frame used females with income at or below federal poverty guidelines. Participants were asked to complete and return anonymously the Self-Rated Abilities for Health Practices: A Health Self-Efficacy Measure (Becker, Stuifbergen, Oh & Hall, 1993).The tool, comprised of 28 items on a 5 point Lickert type scale, is divided into 4 subscales. The data analysis plan includes descriptive statistics regarding the average (mean) strength of self-efficacy for items and subscales presented on the research tool. Data regarding self-efficacy for health promotion in low income women will be of key importance in addressing social justice in regards to health.

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