Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #101791

Joshua R. Mann, MD, MPH¹, Suzanne McDermott, PhD², and Huafeng Zhou, MSPH¹. (1) Dept. of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, 3209 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC 29203, (2) Family and Preventive Medicine, University of South Carolina, 3209 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC 29201, (803) 434-2445, suzanne.mcdermott@palmettohealth.org

Purpose

This study evaluated a health promotion program, Steps to Your Health (STYH)that promotes healthy diet and exercise in persons with mental retardation.

Methods

STYH comprises eight one-hour sessions, providing instruction on healthy diet and exercise. The program includes interactive activities (such as a grocery store visit, opportunities to sample healthy foods and in-class exercise) that help make the information meaningful to participants. The South Carolina Interagency Office agency on Disabilities and Health (IODH) has carried out the program for 8 years, through cooperation with the state's network of local disability service agencies. IODH provides materials and training for instructors, who recruit subjects and conduct the program.

This analysis examined the program impact in 231 adults with mental retardation, who were participating in the program for the first time. Each participant completed (with help from disability board staff) baseline and follow-up questionnaires on knowledge, diet and exercise behavior. Height, weight, and blood pressure were also measured. Repeated measures analyses were used to model the impact of program participation on body mass index (BMI), and to explore the extent to which changes in knowledge, diet and exercise account for the program's impact.

Results and Conclusions

The presenter will discuss the relationship between program attendance and differences in body mass index, fruit and vegetable intake, reported participation in exercise and pedometer readings, and knowledge about nutrition and exercise. Modifying factors such as age, race, sex, and IQ will also be discussed.

Learning Objectives: