5133.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 12:30 PM

Abstract #12145

Partnership to assess heart-healthy behaviors in union workers

Robinson Fulwood, PhD, MSPH1, Anne Powers, PhD2, W. Douglas Evans, PhD3, Robert H. Feldman, PhD4, and Gregory J. Morosco, PhD, MPH1. (1) Office of Prevention, Education, and Control, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 31 Center Drive, MSC 2480, Building 31, Room 4A-03, Bethesda, MD 20892-2480, (301) 496-0554, fulwoodr@nhlbi.nih.gov, (2) Prospect Associates Ltd, 10720 Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20901, (3) Research and Evaluation, Prospect Associates, Ltd, 10720 Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20901, (4) Health Education Department, University of Maryland, Valley Drive, Room 2387, College Park, MD 20742

Previous research has demonstrated that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is higher among African-Americans, older persons, and individuals of low socioeconomic status (SES). In addition, these individuals engage less frequently in CV health promotion behaviors. To focus more aggressively on eliminating health disparities in CVD among these populations, it is necessary to understand their current heart-healthy behaviors, as well as factors that promote and prevent them from engaging in healthier behaviors.

To learn more about older, minority and low SES wage workers, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute partnered with a labor union of service workers in the mid-Atlantic region to survey its membership regarding their healthy behaviors. Based on elements of the Health Belief and Stages of Change Models and Social Support Theory, a brief survey was developed obtaining information on physical activity, smoking cessation, fruit and vegetable consumption, reduced consumption of high-salt foods, sociodemographics, and health status. The survey was mailed to the members of the union and a 61% response rate was obtained.

This presentation describes the efforts made to locate and then partner with the union local, the special steps taken to meet the union’s membership confidentiality requirements, and information about how the survey was developed and pilot tested. Moreover, results of analysis of the survey data will present information about current healthy behaviors in this population and their perceptions about factors that promote or prevent them from engaging in healthier behaviors. Recommendations for interventions to health eliminate health disparities within the union population will also be presented.

Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the process used to establish a union-based partnership 2. Articulate the steps taken to develop the health behavior survey instrument 3. List the specific predictors of engaging in healthy-heart behaviors

Keywords: Health Behavior, Union

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute--National Institues of Health
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.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA