Online Program

324535
Systematic Review of Health and Disability


Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Tara Lutz, M.P.H., CHES, Department of Community Medicine and Health Care, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT
Goals set forth by Healthy People 2020 include increasing the health and well-being of people with disabilities, which aligns with the conference's theme of health in all policies. Compared to individuals without disability, those with disability are less likely to be involved in various programs and activities in different areas of health promotion. A systematic literature review of health promotion and disability according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was conducted.

In order to capture the most comprehensive set of articles health promotion also included health education, wellness or health program, and health curriculum. Considering the potential expansiveness of disability, the search was limited to cognitive and physical disabilities.

The initial search produced 4,458 articles based on the search criteria. Publications needed to be peer-reviewed and published in English. Studies from the initial search that, based on title and abstract, were about both disability and health were considered for further scrutiny. The following will be included in the final results: type of study conducted, way in which disability is defined, demographics of participants as provided, and area of health targeted.

In order to work toward this Healthy People 2020 goal, it is imperative to understand the current climate of health promotion and disability. In order to increase access, encourage participation, and promote healthy behaviors for individuals with disabilities in the community we must recognize areas where health promotion efforts are lacking. Results can frame future direction for evidence-based programming and research that targets specific needs.

Learning Areas:

Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Advocacy for health and health education
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related education

Learning Objectives:
Describe the current climate of health promotion programs for individuals with disabilities. Identify two areas of health promotion that should be expanded on for individuals with disabilities. Explain the systematic literature review process as it relates to future research.

Keyword(s): Health Promotion and Education, Disabilities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a doctoral student conducting this literature review with my advisor as a precursor to my dissertation that will focus on health promotion and disability. I completed my Master's thesis in the area of sexual health and disability and plan to continue to focus in this area. A systematic literature review helps to identify what is occurring in the field and what areas need to be improved.
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.