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

Abstract #106816

Susan E. Middlestadt, PhD¹, Jeff Bachar, MPH², Lisa J. Lefler, PhD³, Jennifer K. French, BA⁴, and The Cherokee Choices Staff³. (1) Applied Health Science, Indiana University, 116 HPER, Bloomington, IN 47405, (2) Health and Medical Division, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, PO Box 666, Cherokee, NC 28719, 828 497 1970, jjbachar@att.net, (3) Cherokee Choices, Eastern Band Of Cherokee Indians, PO Box 666, Cherokee, NC 28719, (4) The Academy for Educational Development, 1825 Connecticut Avenue, Washington, DC 20009

Background. Placing rapid formative research methods in the hands of local communities can facilitate the use of evidence to improve programs. This presentation will illustrate participatory research by the staff of Cherokee Choices, a CDC-funded project to prevent diabetes. Method. In a technical assistance workshop run in collaboration with an applied behavioral scientist, Cherokee Choices staff conducted rapid formative research to identify benefits and barriers to exercising at least 30 minutes at least 2 times a week. The theory-based open-ended elicitation instrument consisted of six open-ended questions: two for behavioral beliefs, two for beliefs about circumstances, and two for normative beliefs. Interviews were conducted with 47 respondents overnight between two workshop sessions. The team coded the data and conducted cross-tabulation analyses. Results. Advantages identified were makes me healthier, helps me lose weight, helps me get in shape, gives me energy, makes me feel better, helps me get strong, and helps reduce stress; disadvantages were makes me sore or injured, and takes up time. Circumstances included having time, having access to place to work out, and having someone to work out with. Salient referents included family, parents, boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse, health care professionals, athletic instructors, friends, and boss/coworkers. Analyses revealed three beliefs associated with exercising, the benefit of getting in shape, and two control beliefs having time and having access to a safe, easy place to workout. Implications. The team discussed findings internally and in an interpretation workshop with community members and stakeholders. Results were used to improve a worksite wellness program.

Learning Objectives:

• The learner will be able to describe a rapid formative research technique that can be used by communities to design and improve health programs.
• The learner will be able to identify the benefits and barriers to regular exercise among members of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians

Keywords: Diabetes, Community Research

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.

Recorded presentation