The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #70244

Meg Traci, PhD, Tom Seekins, Phd, and Sarah Geurts, BS. Rural Institute on Disabilities, University of Montana, 52 Corbin Hall, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, (406)243-4956, matraci@selway.umt.edu

This presentation will describe relationships between individual (habilitation) plans (IPs) and the prevention and management of secondary conditions experienced by adults with developmental disabilities. Limitation associated with secondary conditions and presence of condition specific IPs were observed using the Health and Secondary Conditions Surveillance Instrument for Adults with Developmental Disabilities (Traci et al., 2002) in two samples (N1 = 266; N2 = 749). One hundred and four respondents participated in both the first survey then 15 months later in the second. Their responses allowed us to examine whether having an IP targeting secondary conditions at the time of the first survey predicted improved or maintained levels of limitation at the time of the second survey. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis results guided the development of subscale scores for five factors representing physical fitness problems, equipment problems, pain, psychological problems, and digestive problems. Changes in limitation between surveys were calculated by subtracting the scores on the second survey from those on the first. Negative change scores indicated that limitation had increased while positive change scores indicated that limitation had lessened; change scores of zero indicated that the amount of limitation had remained the same. Respondents who had an IP addressing at least one secondary condition contributing to the Physical Fitness Problem subscale at the time of the first survey experienced significantly less limitation 15 months later than did respondents who had no such IP (t(94) = 3.00, p <.05). These and other results will be discussed as opportunities for secondary condition prevention.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant in this session will be able to:
• Define secondary conditions and individual (habilitation) plans within the developmental disabilities context.
• Recognize opportunities for health promotion in traditional service planning systems.
• Describe the protective nature of individual plans for the prevention of secondary conditions.

Keywords: Disability, Health Promotion

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.