Self-Definitions of Health Practices, Opportunities and Barriers Project

Principal Investigator: Laurie Powers, Ph.D., Oregon Health & Science University
Time Frame: Years 1 – 2

Status:

Completed. The qualitative protocols were developed and piloted with 10 participants. 99 individuals with spinal cord injury, post polio, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and limb-loss were recruited. Fourteen focus groups were conducted. A coding matrix has been developed, field-tested and revised. All transcripts have been coded. Dual coding completed. The findings were presented at APA in 8/01 and APHA in 11/01. The article titled, "Health Warriors: People with Disabilities Discuss Definitions of and Facilitators and Barriers to, Being Healthy and Well," has been accepted by the Journal of Rehabilitation and is currently in press.

Project description: We lack knowledge related to how individuals with disabilities define health and wellness and which health practices, barriers and opportunities have the most critical impact on health maintenance. This qualitative study will involve an in-depth analysis of the health and wellness definitions, promotion practices, barriers and opportunities considered to be important by individuals with long-term disabilities.

Resources:

Putnam, M., Geenen, S., Powers, L.E., Saxton, M., Finney, S., & Dautel, P. (2003). Health and wellness: People with disabilities discuss barriers and facilitators to well being. Journal of Rehabilitation, 69 (1), 37 – 45.