 |
The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
|
The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Armenia M. Williams, DPA, RNC, FNP, School of Nursing, Georgia State University, 6235 Rockland Road, Lithonia, GA 30038, 404-651-4274, awilliam@gsu.edu and Judith L. Wold, PhD, RN, Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, 1520 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322.
The popular media presents a variety of myths related to cardiovascular health and disease prevention. Such media presentation may not be based on scientific research. Work site health promotion and screening programs can measure actual employee risk for cardiovascular disease. Faculty and students of a school of nursing explored application of media myths with an employee sample. This study examined employee preventive behaviors through a pre-and post-test methodology. Behavioral strategies based on science were used as the intervention to counter myths. A risk assessment program collected data about diet and exercise behaviors and measured blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol and blood glucose. Individual interviews to discuss risk reports with employees were used to identify actual personal risk for disease. Discussion of employee application of media information to personal health behaviors identified the impact of such application to employee behaviors and risk. Risk reduction bahaviors are important choices for employees. Personalized risk measurement and evidence based intervention can counter myths perpetuated in the media. This study demonstrates how such work site educational interventions can be linked to evidence based outcomes.
Learning Objectives: After attending this session, the participant should be able to
Keywords: Behavioral Research, Risk Assessment
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.