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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Magdalena A. Harrington, MS¹, Janette Baird, PhD², Michael J. Mello, MD, MPH¹, Ted D. Nirenberg, PhD¹, Robert Woolard, MD³, and Richard Longabaugh, EdD⁴. (1) Injury Prevention Center, Rhode Island Hospital, 110 Lockwood Street, suite 334, Providence, RI 02903, 401-444-8780, mharrington3@lifespan.org, (2) Injury Prevention Center, 110 Lockwood Street, Room 334, Providence, RI 02903, (3) Emergency Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02874, (4) Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Box G-BH, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912

Significance: Brief Intervention (BI) can be a successful tool to promote change of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. Researchers have shown that female emergency department (ED) patients are more receptive to BI. Objective: We examined the prevalence of risky lifestyle behaviors among female ED patients to determine potential areas for future health behavior BI. Method: An anonymous self-administered 12-item general health questionnaire which examined lifestyle behaviors/problems including exercising, weight concern, smoking, stress, and alcohol use was given to ED patients (excluding critical patients) sampled from pre-selected shifts from all days of the week over a 6-month period. This questionnaire was used as a prescreening instrument for a targeted substance abuse intervention. Results: 2,755 ED patients (47% female) were screened. Female ED patients, as compared to male patients, were more likely to report illness as the reason for the ED visit (67.56%, p< .001), were more likely to be concerned about their weight (31.83% vs. 18.59, p < .001), exercise less (42.08 % vs. 56.69%, p < .0001) and were more stressed (60.42% vs. 49.35%, p < .001). Also, 37.53% of the females smoke tobacco. Using the NIAAA guidelines for harmful and hazardous alcohol use, 9.78% of the females had > 7 standard drinks per week and 20.19% had > 3 standard drinks per day. Conclusions: Data suggest that female patients visiting an ED have prevalence of behaviors that indicates risk of further health problems. An ED visit presents an opportunity to promote healthy lifestyle changes potentially with BI.

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

• Recognize the frequency of unhealthy behaviors in female ED patients.
• Describe the prevalence of risky lifestyle behaviors among female ED patients.
• Identify opportunities for future intervention projects.

Keywords: Women's Health, Emergency Department/Room

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered