Physical activity and healthy eating knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adults with intellectual disabilities and direct support professionals

Obesity is more common among people with intellectual disabilities (PWID) than in the general population. PWID also exhibit low levels of physical activity and engage in unhealthy eating practices, although disparities have not been established. Health promotion interventions may reduce morbidity and mortality from chronic conditions and enhance quality of life for PWID. However, development of optimal health promotion interventions is impeded by a paucity of research on the determinants of physical activity and healthy eating among PWID. Furthermore, the potential role of direct support professionals (DSPs) in health promotion interventions for PWID is understudied. The present study employs a cross-sectional design to examine physical activity and healthy eating related knowledge, attitudes, and practices of PWID in supported independent living settings and DSPs in the Greater New Orleans area. Participants complete a 1.5-hour structured interview and anthropometric assessment and a 3-day accelerometer recording. Preliminary descriptive statistics will be presented for predictor variables (knowledge of current physical activity and healthy eating guidelines and perceptions of physical activity and healthy eating related barriers, facilitators, social and environmental support, and self-efficacy) and outcome variables (body mass index, waist circumference, self-reported participation in moderate to vigorous physical activity, accelerometer-assessed walking activity, and self-reported dietary fat and fruit, vegetable and fiber intake). In addition, feasibility and test-retest reliability of the structured interview format using graphic presentation of self-report measures will be discussed. Study results will inform the design of future participatory action research efforts to increase physical activity and healthy eating among PWID and DSPs.