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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Betty L. Kaiser, MS, RN¹, Linda C. Baumann, PhD, APRN, BC¹, Debra Gatzke, MS, RN², and Jill Ottow³. (1) School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Clinical Science Center K6/380, 600 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53792, 608-263-5315, blkaiser@wisc.edu, (2) Dodge Jefferson Healthier Community Partnership, 415 S. 8th St., Watertown, WI 53094, (3) Jefferson County Literacy Council, 621 W. Racine St., Jefferson, WI 53549

Ecological models emphasize the impact of physical and social environments on behavior. This study applies an ecological model to study physical activity and diet behaviors in a hard-to-reach population (rural, low-income adults) and solicits participation of an under-studied aggregate (Spanish-speaking adults). Few studies have examined the relationship between environmental factors and lifestyle behaviors in low-income adults. The specific aims of this study are to: 1) describe participants' physical activity and diet behaviors and perceptions of the environment, and 2) describe the relationship of individual and environmental factors to physical activity behaviors, diet behaviors, and overweight. We present preliminary results from a study conducted by a community-academic partnership. The study uses survey and focus groups methods. English and Spanish-speaking participants will be recruited from two rural health clinics that provide services to low-income, uninsured adults. Community partners have helped to modify an existing survey instrument and translate it into Spanish. The survey will be administered in a face-to-face interview. Survey and focus group questions address individual factors (self-efficacy, barriers, demographic characteristics), interpersonal factors (social support), organizational factors (workplace resources and policies), and community factors (safety, aesthetic qualities, resources). We will discuss the relationship between these factors and self-reported physical activity, diet behaviors, and body mass index as calculated from self-reported height and weight. Results from this study of a high-risk aggregate will be used in a strategic plan for community-based interventions to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe an ecological model of health behavior.
• List four levels of influence in an ecological model of health behavior.
• Describe the prevalence of physical activity in a rural, low-income, uninsured population.

Keywords: Latinos, Low-Income

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered