3224.0: Monday, November 13, 2000 - Board 4

Abstract #9152

Health Risk behaviors: The Comparison of Greek, Greek American and Other American Population Groups

Gale A. Spencer, RN, PhD1, Athena Kalokerinou-Anagnostopoulou, Bsc, PhD2, and Jacqueline Higgins, RN, MS1. (1) Decker School of Nursing, Binghamton University, PO Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, 607-777-6003, gspencer@binghamton.edu, (2) Community Health Faculty, University of Athens, 5 Gymnastirioy Street, 1 72 35 Athens, Greece

The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast the health risks and health promotion behaviors of a Greek-American population in the U.S., a Greek population in Greece, and a non-Greek population in the U.S. Faculty in both countries used the health risk appraisal instrument developed by the Carter Center of Emory University. The instrument was translated into Greek for Greek population. Demographics of the populations were compared for similarities and differences. The health risks that were compared and contrasted among groups were alcohol use, exposure to violence, use of excessive speed in motor vehicles, eating a diet high in fat, and kidney disease. The health promotion behaviors that were compared and contrasted were use of health screening procedures, eating a diet high in fiber, and life satisfaction. The findings of the study will be discussed as they relate to the culture and traditions of both countries. Interventions will be proposed to decrease the use of risky behaviors and to increase the use of health promotion activities.

Learning Objectives: 1. Identify three similarities in health risk behaviors among the three groups. 2. Identify three differences in health risk behaviors among the three groups. 3. Identify similarities and differences regarding health promotion behaviors among the three groups. 4. Discuss similarities and differences regarding health promotion behaviors and health risk behaviors among the three groups and their relationship to culture

Keywords: Community-Based Health Promotion, Health Risks

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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