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

Abstract #115699

Steven Barnett, MD, Dept of Family Medicine, University of Rochester, Family Medicine Research Programs, 1381 South Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620, 585 506 9484 ext 110, steven_barnett@urmc.rochester.edu and Robert Pollard, PhD, Dept of Psychiatry, University of Rochester, 300 Crittenden Blvd., Rochester, NY 14642.

Objective: To examine metabolic syndrome risks in deaf adults who use American Sign Language (ASL).

Background: Deaf ASL-users comprise an understudied and medically underserved language minority. They experience health disparities, including poorer health and less access to health information and healthcare services compared to the general population. Low literacy contributes to disparities. Limited access to information and healthcare may put deaf adults and their families at risk for health problems related to lifestyle choices including diet and exercise. Age adds to the relevance; a large cohort of deaf adults were born during the rubella pandemic of the early 1960s.

Methods: We recruited deaf adults attending a daytime community activity. ASL-fluent researchers (hearing and deaf) reviewed the research with potential participants and obtained consent. Participants completed a single page low-literacy English questionnaire; ASL-fluent researchers answered any questions. We then measured blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference.

Results: Sixty-one deaf adults participated (median age = 46). 84% knew they became deaf before age 3. 77% reported ASL as their one best language. Few smoked (11%) and half (54%) reported regular exercise. Whereas 28% reported being “too heavy,” 71% had a BMI > 25 and many (57% of women and 38% of men) had abdominal obesity by waist circumference. 21% rated their blood pressure “too high” but 46% of participants had elevated blood pressure. We will present additional data.

Conclusion: Deaf people are at risk for lifestyle-related diseases. Research should determine prevalence and examine public health interventions with deaf people.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe some health issues of deaf people who communicate in ASL
• Identify some of the challenges of research with deaf people who communicate in ASL.
• Begin to assess for their own local public health system the research needs to evaluate policy and practice as they relate to the health of deaf people and their families.

Keywords: Deaf, Risk Factors

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.