Which public health interventions hold
promise for promoting health among people with disabilities and
preventing secondary conditions?
According to data reported in the Healthy People
2010 plan, compared with people without disabilities, people with
disabilities are generally less physically activity, and have higher
rates of obesity, depression, and other conditions that occur secondary
or in addition to the primary disability. Clearly, people with
disabilities can benefit from public health interventions to increase
routine health and wellness examinations and screenings, as well as
other improvements in lifestyle, including physical fitness.
The Disability and Health Team at Center for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) supports several efforts to develop,
test, and implement health promotion interventions across the lifespan
of people with disabilities. These efforts reach beyond short-term
rehabilitation interventions to address healthy lifestyles.
Living Well With a Disability Researchers at the
University of Montana’s Rural Institute on Disabilities, in conjunction
with collaborators at the University of Kansas and people with
disabilities throughout the country at various centers for independent
living, recently completed the development of the Living Well With a
Disability curriculum. This theory-based, 10-week, behavior-modification
curriculum has demonstrated promise in promoting the health of people
with disabilities. It includes setting goals, seeking information,
solving problems through strategies, developing healthy reactions to
frustration and stress, overcoming depression, engaging in and
maintaining exercise habits, and enhancing nutritional intake.
Participants engage in therapeutic interventions delivered at centers
for independent living by trained peer educators.
To date, investigators
have demonstrated a 37% overall reduction in the prevalence of
reported secondary conditions among participants, and a 45% reduction in
the number of physician visits during the 6 months following the
intervention. In addition,
the cost-effectiveness analysis for this intervention indicated that the
cost of the intervention would be recouped within 2 months among
participants who frequently use medical services, and within 6 months
among participants who less frequently use medical services. Investigators
are currently examining other places to deliver the curriculum
including, the Internet, the YMCA, vocational rehabilitation facilities,
storefront physical fitness facilities featuring adaptive aerobic
exercise machines, and hospitals. This intervention is
copyrighted and more information
about the curriculum can be viewed at:
http://ruralinstitute.umt.edu/rtcrural/health/NewDirectionsReRpt.htm
or
http://ruralinstitute.umt.edu/rtcrural/health/SecondaryCondition.htm
Links - Health Promotion Interventions for People With Disabilities.
Exercise for People with Disabilities: Getting Started on Your Fitness
Plan (2000). This collaborative publication provides a wealth
of information and tools for getting involved in fitness activities. It
is produced by the Research and Training Center on Independent Living,
University of Kansas. Copies may be obtained
by calling 785 864-4095 or visiting their website at
http://www.rtcil.org.
Promoting the Health of People With Disabilities: Protocols for
Preventive Interventions (1996). This document was
published by the Center for Disability Policy and Research at the
University of Washington. For a copy of this brief manuscript, contact
Dr. Donald Patrick at 206/685-7252.
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