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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Kester Edwards¹, Darcie L. Mersereau, MPH¹, and David Lenox, MPA². (1) Special Olympics University, Special Olympics International, 1133 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036, 202.824.0366, kedwards@specialolympics.org, (2) Sports and Athlete Leadership Programming, Special Olympics International, 1133 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Little is known about the self-perceptions of health status of persons with intellectual disability (ID). To date, most studies about the health of persons with ID have relied on parent or caregiver assessments. Similarly, there is a lack of available data on the facilitators and barriers faced by persons with ID in adopting healthful behaviors. Special Olympics International (SOI), a nonprofit that provides sports training and competition opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities, also offers health screenings and services for its athletes at sports events. In 2003, SOI began evaluating athlete satisfaction with these health screenings and services. In 2006, this basic satisfaction survey was augmented to include questions pertaining to self-perceptions of health status. The survey was also modified to assess athlete recollection of health advice provided to them during health events (e.g. about using sunscreen, eating more fruits and vegetables), to measure athlete self-efficacy for adopting advised behaviors, and to identify facilitators and barriers for adopting these behaviors. Modifications in the survey tool were made based on data gathered in focus groups with Special Olympics athletes and were pilot-tested with another group of Special Olympics athletes. The survey was administered at the 2006 U.S. National Games in Ames, Iowa, to a convenience sample of athletes attending health screening and service events. Results from the survey will be presented.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the session participants (learners) will be able to

• Understand the self-perceptions of health of SOI athletes in comparison with the general public.
• Describe the perceived barriers and perceived facilitators to the adoption of healthful behaviors for SOI athletes.
• Develop health promotion strategies that take into account these facilitators and barriers.

Keywords: Disability, Health Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered