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

Abstract #102721

Janine Jurkowski, MPH, PhD, Health Policy, Management, & Behavior, University at Albany School of Public Health, 1 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, 518-402-0420, jjurkowski@albany.edu and Yesenia Rivera, MS, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1919 W. Taylor St, 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60608.

The percentage of Latinos living in the United States is increasing. As the Latino population grows, so does the number of Latinos with intellectual disabilities (ID), and little is known about this group. Research has shown that people with ID are more likely to be sedentary and overweight; likewise, non-disabled Latinos have high prevalence of overweight status and low levels of physical activity. Given that Latinos and people with ID, have greater risk for chronic diseases it can be assumed that chronic disease risk factor disparities among Latinos with ID is an emerging public health issue. Latinos have culturally based health beliefs that are different than mainstream American beliefs. Therefore, to impact the health of Latinos with ID, it is essential to understand their health beliefs and priorities and provide culturally appropriate health promotion programs. Results from focus groups with Latino men and women with mild to moderate ID will be presented. The research was guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior and Health Belief Model. Latinos with ID who participated in the groups reported knowledge of nutritious foods and the importance of physical activity. However, many expressed avoidance of traditional physical activity, except when training for Special Olympics. Most preferred outdoor and socially interactive activities such as dancing to Latino music and playing team sports. Culturally based values and beliefs about social relationships, role of God and control over health appeared to play an important role in their understanding of health and their desire to engage in health behaviors.

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to

• Identify culturally based beliefs about health that may influence health promotion among aging Latinos adults with I/DD
• Understand health related priorities of aging Latino adults with I/DD living in an urban community 3)Describe how community collaboration improves research and program development to address health disparities among aging Latino adults with I/DD

Keywords: Disability, Health Disparities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.