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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Susan A. Tweed, MS, RN, Health Services Research, Old Dominion University, 4417 Corporation Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, 757-552-7297, satweed@sentara.com, Clare Houseman, PhD, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Spong Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529, Stacey Plichta, ScD, School of Community Health Professions, Old Dominion University, College of Health Sciences, Norfolk, VA 23529, and Frances D. Butterfoss, PhD, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Center for Pediatric Research, 855 West Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510.

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to discover the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of longshoremen regarding nutritional behaviors, physical activity, change and the union's role in health promotion through participation in a focus group. Background: Unions are an important and unevaluated venue for reaching working class populations. When health promotion factors are known, health professionals can tailor programs and activities directly targeted to the population's needs. No studies have been found with maritime union workers that identify factors that contribute to promoting healthy behaviors at the worksite. Methodology: In July 2006, a total of six focus groups are planned. Each group will cover a slightly different population. Each homogeneous group will consist of 6-12 participants. A moderator's guide will be developed to direct questioning. Questions will be open ended, short and easy to understand. Confidentiality of the participants will be strictly maintained. The constant comparison method will be used to organize and analyze the data. All focus groups will be audio taped. A note-taker will be present to record non-verbal communication and record general statements. All focus group audiotapes will be transcribed. Conclusion: The proposed focus groups will uncover the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of maritime union members regarding nutritional behaviors, physical activity, change and the union's role in health promotion. The information gained will provide insights about how longshoremen perceive health promotion behaviors and activity and will be used in the development of a questionnaire to predict health behaviors in longshoremen.

Learning Objectives: