Online Program

335975
Uncovering disparities in physical activity in Georgia: Recommendations to improve accessibility and inclusion for adults with disabilities


Sunday, November 1, 2015

Erin Vinoski, MPH, CHES, Center for Leadership in Disability, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
Akilah Heggs, MA, Center for Leadership in Disability, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
Rebecca Wells, MPH, MSW, Center for Leadership in Disability, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
Douglas Roberts Jr., Center for Leadership in Disability, School of Public Health; Department of Counseling & Psychological Services, College of Education, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
Andrew Roach, PhD, Center for Leadership in Disability, School of Public Health; Department of Counseling & Psychological Services, College of Education, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
Physical inactivity is a modifiable risk factor for many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, colon and breast cancers, and depression.1 Furthermore, regular physical activity has shown to be effective in the prevention of chronic disease and premature death.2,3 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Disability and Health Data System, adults with disabilities in the US have significantly lower rates of physical activity than the general population.4 This disparity has been attributed to many factors, including the inaccessibility of natural and built environments, equipment, and resources; high financial cost of facilities and programs; and lack of appropriate training for fitness and health professionals.5

The disparity in physical activity rates between adults with and without disabilities is pronounced in the state of Georgia, where in 2011, only 41.1% of adults with disabilities reported sufficient aerobic physical activity, compared with 53.8% of adults without disabilities; 40.2% of Georgia’s adults with disabilities reported being inactive, compared with 24.4% of adults without disabilities.4

To identify proximal and distal barriers to and facilitators of participation in physical activity, qualitative interviews were conducted with adults with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities between the ages of 18 and 65 in Georgia (N=30). A scoping review of current programs intended to improve physical activity levels available for adults in Georgia was conducted. An analysis of the interviews and programmatic review resulted in the development of recommendations for improving the accessibility and inclusion of adults with disabilities in these programs.

Learning Areas:

Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs

Learning Objectives:
Describe the quantitative and qualitative evidence related to the disparities between the physical activity levels of adults with and without disabilities. Discuss the barriers to physical activity among adults with disabilities. Identify the gaps in current programs and opportunities to improve accessibility and inclusion for adults with disabilities in physical activity initiatives.

Keyword(s): Physical Activity, Health Disparities/Inequities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a researcher and Certified Health Education Specialist with several years of experience planning, implementing, and evaluating nutrition and physical activity promotion programs for diverse populations, particularly individuals with disabilities. I have collaborated on multiple federally-funded projects focusing on reducing health disparities for people with disabilities. I teach an undergraduate course on disability at Georgia State University.
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.