4026.0: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - 9:30 AM

Abstract #30286

Cost outcomes of health promotion for people with mobility impairments: Research report of the Living Well with a Disability research program

Craig Ravesloot, PhD1, Tom Seekins, Phd2, Glen White, PhD, and Catherine Ipsen, MA2. (1) Rural Institute on Disabilites, University of Montana, 52 Corbin Hall, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, 406-243-2447, raves@selway.umt.edu, (2) Rural Institute on Disabilities, University of Montana, 52 Corbin Hall, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812

People with chronic conditions that are expressed as limitations in activities of daily living utilize a disproportionate level of health care resources. Health promotion has been cited as a potential modality for moderating these disproportionate costs. In this study, the Living Well with a Disability health promotion curriculum was delivered to 188 adults with mobility impairments in 7 states. This curriculum teaches participants to use health behavior change as a means to goal attainment of important life goals (e.g. going back to school). Participants were recruited from the case service records of community-based centers for independent living (CILs) as well as from the community at large. Once recruited, participants were randomly assigned to treatment in a staggered baseline experimental design that allowed collection of extended baseline data two months prior to intervention commencement. Results of repeated measures ANOVA on four waves of data collected immediately pre- to 4 months post-intervention indicated participants used significantly fewer health care resources following the intervention than they had used at baseline (F=3.282, p < .05). Using a 3rd party payer economic perspective, a net financial benefit is realized during the first two follow-up periods (4 months total). However, effects on costs are not maintained at 12 months. Efficacy of the intervention assessed with self-reported limitation due to secondary conditions suggested that effects evident immediately post intervention were maintained across the follow-up period including the 12 the month follow-up (F=4.20, p < .01). See www.livingwellweb.com

Learning Objectives: Attendees will be able to: 1) Articulate a model of health promotion useful to people with disabilities. 2) Describe the utility of using self-report health care utilization as a proxy of health care costs.

Keywords: Health Promotion, Intervention

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 129th Annual Meeting of APHA