333509
Evaluation of the Alabama WISEWOMAN program year 1
The Alabama Department of Public Health Division of Cancer Prevention received funding for CDC project entitled WISEWOMAN, a program to screen women enrolled in the state Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program for identifying and reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors. The Alabama WISEWOMAN program has been implemented at two clinics in Mobile County. One social worker at each clinic is responsible for conducting WISEWOMAN related activities. Providers and social workers were trained to provide motivational interviewing to increase healthy lifestyles and thus reduce cardiovascular risk factors.
Methods
During the first year of funding, Alabama WISEWOMAN Program developed a logic model and work plan for evaluation and program planning based on CDC guidance. Partners were established and stakeholder meetings were held. Program staff established priority areas based on stakeholder input. A database was developed and minimum data elements were captured. Patients completed a satisfaction survey after three health coaching sessions. Social workers were interviewed for quality assurance after initial six months of enrolling patients.
Results
After first four months of services, a total of 262 women were screened for cardiovascular disease risk factors at two participating clinics in Alabama. 39% of women were found to be hypertensive at baseline. 41% of women with hypertension had a reduction in blood pressure after follow up visits with social workers.
Conclusions
Social workers, as part of a health care team, are effective at reducing cardiovascular risk factors among a group of high risk low income women.
Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and preventionConduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Learning Objectives:
Describe the evaluation methods used in a identifying and reducing cardiovascular risk factors among under-served women in Alabama.
Discuss how a team based care approach reduces cardiovascular risk factors among under-served women in Alabama.
Keyword(s): African American, Hypertension
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been evaluating public health programs for 10 years. Among my scientific interests are cancer education and evaluation methods, reducing health disparities, and chronic disease prevention.
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.