141st APHA Annual Meeting

In This section

281973
Examining psychosocial factors effect on physical health and service utilization among a sample of victimized women on probation and parole

Monday, November 4, 2013

Tanya Renn, MPH, MSSW , Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
Amanda Dishon, MSSW, CSW, MFTA , Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
Katie Winham, MSSW, LMFT , Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
Seana Golder, PhD , Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
George Higgins, JD , Brandeis School of Law, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
This study examines psychosocial factors associated with physical health and service utilization among a sample of 350 women on probation and parole. Research demonstrates that access to healthcare, substance use treatment and psychological services are positively associated with physical health outcomes. Furthermore, there are multiple variables that contribute to an individual's service utilization. The present study sought to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the psychosocial factors that influence service utilization and physical health outcomes among a sample of higher risk women. Among the women in the present study, 33% rated their health as fair or poor and 48% had moderate to very severe pain in the past four weeks. Additionally, 36% of the sample said their health limited their ability to walk one block and 40% said it limited their ability to work or attend school. When asked about service utilization in the past 12 months, the average number of visits to a healthcare provider was five and 38% reported getting treatment for alcohol or drug use. A total of six regressions were run examining the outcomes of service utilization and physical health. For the two regressions examining physical health as the outcome, the psycho-social variables accounted for 22% and 12% of the variance for physical health. Evaluation of service utilization as the outcome variable resulted in 8-12% of the variance explained by the psycho-social variables. These findings emphasize the effect of psychosocial barriers on the utilization of services and the negative health implications.

Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health education
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Other professions or practice related to public health
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Identify psycho-social factors that are barriers to service utilization among at-risk women. Evaluate the psycho-social factors that influence one's service utilization and physical health. Explain the inter-relationship between the psycho-social factors, service utilization and physical health. Formulate a strategic plan to address the barriers to service utilization amongst a highly vulnerable. population.

Keywords: Psychological Indicators, Women's Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been working on the NIDA funded grant for two years focusing on the health decision-making behaviors of victimized women on probation and parole, a highly marginalized population. Alongside of this research, I have been examining the theoretical perspectives surrounding decision-making and the psycho-social components that factors into an individual's health decision-making ability.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3311.0: Behavioral health issues