The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #40888

Tara L. McLaughlin, PhD, MPE¹, Rosemarie D. Maljanian, RN, MBA¹, and Katherine McCormack, RN, MPH². (1) Institute for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour St., PO Box 5037, Hartford, CT 06102, 860-545-5065, tmclaug@harthosp.org, (2) Hartford Health Department, 131 Coventry St., Hartford, CT 06112

Smoking, inactivity and obesity are known to be significant predictors of chronic diseases, posing elevated risks for members of ethnic minority populations. The Hartford Health Survey (HHS) is a population –based survey administered in 1997 and 2000. Data were available on 1,447 participants from 1997 and on 1,338 participants from 2000. Approximately 30% of each sample were of Hispanic descent, with the same percentage living at or below the Federal poverty level. When behavioral risks were assessed, the overall percentage of current smokers remained constant (26% in 1997 vs. 27% in 2000; n.s.) but had risen significantly among Hispanics (23% in 1997 vs. 30 % in 2000; p< .05). Rates of inactivity had increased slightly over time (33% in 1997 vs. 36% in 2000; n.s.), and had risen significantly within the Hispanic population (31% in 1997 vs. 41% in 2000; p<.01). Overall, rates of obesity rose significantly from 21% in 1997 to 34% in 2000 (p<.001) and were significantly higher among women than men (40% vs. 23%, p< .001). Rates were significantly higher among African American women (51%) relative to Hispanic (37%) and non-Hispanic white women (27%; p < .001 for both comparisons). Thus, obesity is a significant health concern in Hartford, particularly among African-American women. Smoking and inactivity are becoming increasingly significant health concerns within the Hispanic population, indicating that interventions are needed to reduce these risks. Effective intervention strategies will utilize existing social networks and socially salient cues and must respect cultural traditions in prescribing behavioral change.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to
• Delineate how risk factor rates in Hartford, CT have changed over time 2.Describe the effective elements of interventions that have been aimed at reducing these risk factors among inner–city, ethnic minority populations.

Keywords: Community-Based Public Health, Risk Behavior

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.