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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Eleanor Walker, PhD, RN¹, Diane Krichmar, PhD², David Bushnell, MS³, Sadanand Srivastava, PhD³, and David Anyiwo, PhD⁴. (1) Department of Nursing, Bowie State University, 11107 Maiden Drive, Bowie, MD 20720, 301-262-8515, elliewalker@msn.com, (2) Graduate School, Bowie State University, 14000 Jericho Park Road, Bowie, MD 20715, (3) Computer Science, Bowie State University, 14000 Jericho Park Road, Bowie, MD 20715, (4) Management Information Science, School of Business, 14000 Jericho Park Road, Bowie, MD 20715

This community-based participatory research study was designed to develop online health information and social support systems to assist low-income African Americans to change their health behaviors. The project builds on an ongoing intervention funded by HUD through a nurse managed health center within a Section Eight apartment complex. Residents of the apartment complex were recruited to participate in the project. Following baseline assessment and orientation to the project, participants were provided with access to the internet and engaged in evaluation of several health related internet sites. During each meeting, a healthy meal was served family style and discussion focused on health related topics and evaluation of internet sites. Participants also developed a web site for their community to share health related information. Results of the study varied from commonly held beliefs about low income African Americans and the Internet. Despite the emphasis in the literature regarding the digital divide and the importance of culturally relevant information, participants learned how to navigate the internet quickly and none indicated concern about the cultural relevance of the information. Their major concern was access to computers. Health behavior changes included reading labels during shopping and selecting low fat, low carbohydrate foods; increasing or initiating exercise; and decreasing unhealthy snacks. The results of this study suggest that policies focused on increasing access to health related information on the Internet for all communities, regardless of income are needed. This strategy may contribute to increased health literacy and reduced health care costs.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to

• Discuss the benefits of the community-based participatory approach to research.
• Describe strategies for involving low income African Americans in community-based participatory research.
• Discuss evaluations of health related information on the internet by low income African Americans.
• Discuss policy recommendations for providing access to health related information on the internet for low income African Americans.

Keywords: Health Disparities, Health Information Systems

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation