Individual Health Behaviors Research Articles

Alleviating the Effects of Chronic Disease in the Workplace: Opportunities for Intentional Change Theory

Chronic disease is a national problem that has reached epidemic proportions with serious implications for the workplace. Essentially, the same set of individual health behavior change models have been applied to the treatment of chronic disease despite their inconsistent effectiveness. We examine the potential of Intentional Change Theory (ICT) to improve chronic disease outcomes and thereby contribute a fresh perspective on health behavior change. We review ICT and compare it with five existing theories of individual health behavior change. Our contribution is to articulate the value that ICT can bring to alleviating the effects of chronic disease in the workplace.

A Systemic Organizational Change Model in Occupational Health Management

ABSTRACTOne of the principal research areas in occupational health concerns the theory and methodology best suitable to reduce the occurrence of health-adverse outcomes in the workplace. The concept ‘organizational intervention’ is commonly used in occupational health to refer to modifications of work structures and processes in organizations in order to reduce health risks. Nonetheless, several reviews of the literature on organizational interventions have identified major deficiencies related to the lack of theoretical development and validity assessment, and how and why this type of interventions may succeed in reducing health risks. In the present contribution, these research deficiencies are to some extent addressed by developing a more congruent model of health-related organizational change, the Systemic Organizational Change in Occupational Health (SOC-OH) model. The main objective of the present conceptual study is to propose a multilevel model of organizational change that is based on empirical evidence and integrates organizational structures, social-psychological group phenomena and individual health behaviour. The SOC-OH is formulated in a series of propositions which can be used in empirical research to evaluate the appropriateness and scientific validity of the model.

Human Flourishing and Integrated Care Models: The Development of the Flourish Index.

In evaluating integrated care models, traditional quality measures do not account for functional and quality of life factors, affecting older adults with multiple chronic conditions. The objective of this study was the development and validation of the Flourish Index (FI), an instrument to evaluate integrated care, using a determinants of health model. The study took place within the evaluation study of the Flourish Model (FM). The FM provides care coordination services using an integrated primary care and community-based services model. Baseline data from 70 older adults were used in the validation study. Twenty-seven quality of care indicators within six determinants of health, namely biological, psychological, individual health behaviors, health services, environmental, and social, formed part of the FI. Categorical principal components analysis showed a 5-dimensional structure with psychological determinants loading on the biological determinants of health. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) for the determinants was as follows: biological/psychological = 0.73, individual = 0.58, environmental = 0.62, health services = 0.65, social = 0.67, total score = 0.97. Sensitivity to change was shown for the total FI score (F1,22 = 8.82, p = .01) and social (F1,22 = 5.82, p = .02), with a trend toward sensitivity for individual health behaviors (F1,22 = 3.95, p = .06) and health services (F1,22 = 3.26, p = .09). The preliminary analysis of the FI shows promise for the usability of the index to provide insight into the fundamental challenges of aging. It brings greater clarity in caring for older adults and supports quality evaluation of integrated care coordination models.

Determinants of health behaviors in individuals of medical and non-medical professions

Abstract Aim. Determination of health behaviors in the group of people performing medical and non-medical professions. Material and methods. The research covered 598 individuals divided into two groups: those performing medical professions (group M, n = 305) and non-medical (group P; n = 293). Standardized tools were used: Health Behavior Inventory, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale - version B, General Self-Efficacy Scale on risk factors and prevention of civilization diseases (own authorship). The controls were subjected to measurement of blood pressure as well as their height and body mass tests. Results. In group M, the level of self-efficacy, the location of health control in terms of the influence of the others and the chance, age, incidence of cardiovascular diseases in the father, smoking and the level of mean systolic blood pressure explain 17.5% of the variability of health behavior. In group P, the level of self-efficacy, location of health control in terms of the influence of the others and the chance, monthly net income per a family member, the occurrence of neoplasms in siblings, smoking, average blood pressure and the level of knowledge about risk factors and prevention of civilization diseases explain 27.9% of the variance of the health behavior variable. Conclusions. There is a diversification of selected determinants of health behaviors in the group of individuals performing medical and non-medical professions, with their stronger impact on non-medical professionals (17.5% vs. 27.9% of their variability).

Disparities in individual health behaviors between medicaid expanding and non-expanding states in the U.S.

Following the roll out of the Affordable Care Act, a significant amount of research has focused on health insurance coverage disadvantages experienced by those in states that chose not to expand Medicaid. This line of research has been used as a way to conceptualize potential disparities in future population health outcomes between states that did and did not expand Medicaid. While health insurance is certainly associated with health outcomes, health behaviors are equally, if not more, important. Therefore, to understand potential future population health outcomes - or lack thereof – this paper examines whether adults in states that did not expand Medicaid are also more likely to engage in health damaging behaviors (i.e. smoking, heavy drinking, physical inactivity, and overweight and obesity) than adults in states that expanded Medicaid. I find that those in states that did not expand Medicaid are more likely to be overweight and obese but are less likely to drink heavily compared to adults in states that did expand Medicaid. In part, higher rates of demographic and socioeconomic disadvantage explain higher rates of health damaging behaviors in states that did not expand Medicaid. This paper raises concerns about added long term consequences for population health and growing health disparities between states that did and did not expand Medicaid. Policy and practice implications of these findings are discussed.

Reconceptualizing church-based mental health promotion with African Americans: A social action theory approach

ABSTRACTAfrican Americans are at risk for poor mental health outcomes and disparities in treatment. Because of the importance of religion in the lives of many African Americans Church-Based Health Promotion (CBHP) programs have emerged as a promising way to address disparate mental health issues affecting this population. Many of the theories currently used to ground CBHP efforts focus on individual level health behavior change. This study suggests a re conceptualization of CBHP to include a focus on family, group, congregation, and community level outcomes as opposed to individual health behaviors to maximize the impact on African Americans. The case is made for the use of Social Action Theory by examining several mental health promotion programs, their theoretical foundations, and suggested SAT adaptations. Implications for the development of CBHP interventions directed towards African Americans and a focus on group and community level outcomes are discussed.

Changes in health behavior 1 year after testing negative at a colorectal cancer screening: a randomized-controlled study.

When planning national screening programs, it is important to investigate potential changes in health behavior initiated by the screening. Knowledge of the consequences of different colorectal cancer (CRC) screening modalities for health behavior is limited. We aimed to investigate differences in 1-year health behavior changes after testing negative in CRC screening by one of two screening modalities. Participants of both sexes aged 50-74 years assigned randomly to five biennial rounds of fecal immunochemical test (FIT), one round of flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS), or no screening (control) were invited to complete a self-reported lifestyle questionnaire on smoking, body weight, physical activity, alcohol intake, and consumption of selected dietary items at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. In total, 1809 and 1327 individuals in the FIT and the FS arm, respectively, completed the lifestyle questionnaire, as did 1029 controls. We analyzed differences in 1-year health behavior changes between the arms at follow-up by analysis of covariance and logistic regression. Overall, 1-year changes in health behavior were moderate and probably of no clinical relevance. Participants with negative CRC screening test results in the first round of the FIT arm reduced their alcohol consumption significantly more than controls [-0.29 glass/week (95% confidence interval -0.54 to -0.04)]. Body weight decreased more in participants with negative screening test results in the FS than in the FIT arm [-0.31 kg (95% confidence interval -0.55 to -0.08)]. The present study did not suggest unfavorable short-term consequences in the health behavior of individuals who received a negative CRC screening test result from either a first round of FIT or a once-only FS screening.

Factors related to cancer screening behaviors.

OBJECTIVESThis study aimed to investigate the factors related to cancer screening behaviors (CSB).METHODSThe 2014 Korean Community Health Survey used for analysis. The dependent variable was CSB, and the independent variables were demographic, health behavioral, and regional factor. Propensity score matching (PSM) used to control health behavior and regional factors, which were influencing CSB. For statistical analysis, chi-square test and logistic regression analysis used.RESULTSLogistic regression analysis after PSM showed that gender, age, marital status, educational level, monthly household income, employment type, alcohol drinking, smoking, body mass index group, chronic disease, and subjective health status influenced the CSB, there were statistical differences.CONCLUSIONSTo improve cancer screening (CS), it is necessary to educate individuals on the need for CS and to carry out a personalized CS program based on an individual’s demographic status and health behavior.

Constructing health capital in ecological systems: A qualitative evaluation of community-based health workshops in the refugee community.

Refugee communities face numerous health and mental health concerns both during and after resettlement. Health issues, already deteriorated by chronic poverty, malnutrition and poor living conditions, are exacerbated by acculturative challenges, such as cultural and language barriers, stigma, and lack of resources and information. Since such needs in refugee communities affect both individual and collective capacity, it is important to consider policy environment and socioecological contexts for cultural adjustment and community resources for navigating systems, rather than individual health behaviours and communication skills only. To expand our understanding of health promotion capacity and resources, a broad and context-dependent concept will be necessary. Adopting a concept of health capital, this study aims to explore the impact of community-based health workshops, while expanding and redefining the framework in the context of health promotion efforts for the refugee community in resettlement. As part of community-based participatory research, this qualitative study conducted seven focus group discussions (FGDs) with 22 Bhutanese refugees in 2014. Using a hybrid thematic analysis, themes emerged from the FGD data were organised and categorised into health capitals in ecological systems. The participants reported enhanced confidence and capacity for health promotion at individual, family and community levels. Given the interdependent coping and lifestyles of refugee communities, impacts on the participants' interactions and relations with family and community were significant, which emphasises the importance of assessment of interventions beyond an individualistic approach. The findings of this study underscore the vital role of varied forms of health capital in promoting health in the refugee community and connecting members to needed health resources and information. Health capital is an old and yet still new concept with a great potential to broaden our understanding of health resources by elaborating the impacts and interactions in individuals, family and community for health promotion.

Abstract P376: Improving Cardiovascular Health Among African-Americans Through a Community-based Mobile Health Lifestyle Intervention: The FAITH! (Fostering African-American Improvement in Total Health) App! Pilot Study

Introduction: Compared to Whites, African-Americans (AAs) have 82% lower odds of meeting ideal levels for five or more cardiovascular (CV) health components that comprise the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7, an evidenced-based metric of seven health promoting behaviors and biological factors that improve CV outcomes. Given expanding mobile technology use among AAs, mobile health (mHealth) interventions are promising avenues to promote CV health within this population. Hypothesis: An evidence-based, theory-informed, culturally relevant, community-based mHealth lifestyle intervention would improve CV health among AAs adults. Methods: Five predominately AA churches collaborated in a community-based participatory research approach to develop a 10-week CV health and wellness digital application-based program ( FAITH! App ). We enrolled AA adults [N=50, mean age 49.6 (SD 12.7), 70% women (35/50)] into a single group, 10-week intervention centered on the FAITH! App with adjunct in-person sessions. The FAITH! App included ten core video education modules from health professionals on CV health, interactive diet/physical activity self-monitoring and a sharing board. The primary outcome was change in individual CV health behaviors (body mass index, physical activity, diet, cigarette smoking) and biological factors (blood pressure (BP), total cholesterol, fasting glucose) from baseline to post-intervention at 28 weeks. Results: Participants were overall high CV risk at baseline (hypertensive [40% (20/50)] with poor/intermediate physical activity [79% (37/47)] and diet [72% (36/50)]). At 28 weeks, there were substantial improvements in CV health factors (systolic and diastolic BPs), CV health behaviors (diet, physical activity) and psychological/psychosocial variables to promote behavior change ( Table 1 ). Conclusions: This study supports the benefits of a culturally relevant, community-based mHealth lifestyle intervention to promote CV health among AAs with high cardiometabolic risk.

Prevalence of Sun Protection Use and Sunburn and Association of Demographic and Behaviorial Characteristics With Sunburn Among US Adults

Monitoring sun protection and sunburn over time at the population level can provide valuable information about progress toward skin cancer prevention goals and inform future intervention efforts. To examine the prevalence of sun protection use (shade, sunscreen, and clothing) and sunburn and the association between sunburn and individual characteristics and health behaviors in the US population. In this cross-sectional study using a nationally representative sample of 31 162 US adults from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey-Cancer Control Supplement, household interviews of civilian, noninstitutionalized US adults were conducted throughout 2015 in person and completed on the telephone when necessary. Data analysis was performed from August 16, 2016, to September 6, 2017. The prevalence of sunburn and use of sun protection and their association with demographic characteristics, sun sensitivity, and health-related behaviors and conditions using multivariable logistic regression modeling. A total of 31 162 respondents (mean [SD] age, 47.0 [0.36] years; 13 932 male [44.7%] and 17 230 female [55.3%]) were included in the analyses, with 34.2% experiencing sunburn in 2015. Sunburn prevalence was higher among younger age groups (51.2% in adults 18-29 years old; 95% CI, 48.8%-53.7%), non-Hispanic white individuals (42.5%; 95% CI, 41.2%-43.9%), and those with sun-sensitive skin (50.2%). However, sunburn was also prevalent among black (13.2%; 95% CI, 11.6%-15.1%) and Hispanic (29.7%; 95% CI, 27.6%-31.9%) individuals, demographic groups that are often considered to be at low risk of skin cancer. The most frequent sun protection behaviors were staying in the shade (37.1%; 95% CI, 36.3%-38.0%) and using sunscreen (31.5%; 95% CI, 30.7%-32.3%) followed by wearing long clothing to the ankles (28.4%; 95% CI, 27.6-29.1). Sun avoidance behaviors (seeking shade and not going in the sun) were significantly (39.5% vs 35.1%; P < .001) associated with a lower prevalence of sunburn. Those who used self-applied sunless tanning products (45.0% of users vs 36.1% of nonusers; P < .001), those who engaged in aerobic activity (37.9% of aerobic exercisers vs 32.8% of non-aerobic exercisers; P < .001), binge drinkers (45.1% of binge drinkers vs 35.0% of non-binge drinkers; P < .001), and overweight or obese individuals (37.9% of overweight or obese individuals vs 34.4% of non-overweight or obese individuals; P < .001) were more likely to experience sunburn compared with the respective comparison groups. Sun sensitivity was significantly associated with a higher sunburn prevalence, independent of race/ethnicity, suggesting a need to consider sun sensitivity when identifying target demographic groups for sun safety interventions. Efforts to improve vigilance and consistency with use of sun protection are needed. In addition, those who engage in physical activity, use sunless tanners, or use sunscreen for tanning purposes may require additional intervention strategies to address the unique barriers they face in staying adequately protected.

Black/White disparities in pregnant women in the United States: An examination of risk factors associated with Black/White racial identity.

This paper explores racial disparities and risk factors of adverse pregnancy outcomes in Black and White pregnant women in the US. The study uses a cross-sectional approach to explore Black and White disparities using data from the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which collects interview data from approximately 70,000 randomly selected participants. We included several self-reported conditions that we categorised as individual and social stressors (e.g. measures of institutionalised racism, individual health behaviours, access to quality care and social context factors). We used descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate analyses in risk factors of adverse pregnancy outcomes between Black and White women. Black women who were pregnant had a lower socioeconomic status and experienced more measures of institutionalised racism compared to White women who were pregnant. More white women who were pregnant were married, had higher levels of educational attainment, higher income levels, and greater employment opportunities. White pregnant women also had higher levels of private health insurance and less dependency on government programmes for access to healthcare. Results from the regressions indicated that Black pregnant women were less likely to be married (OR=0.01), less likely to have higher income levels (OR=0.31) and less likely to be employed (OR=0.52). However, Black pregnant women were more likely to be younger (OR=1.82). For the health-eroding behaviours, Black pregnant women were less likely to smoke (OR=0.53) and use alcohol (0.52). After assessing the SES Household-level stressors (access to healthcare), Black pregnant women were more likely to have Medicaid/CHIP (OR=3.21) and health coverage through government assistant programmes (OR=3.80); however, less likely to have private health insurance (OR=0.38). There are differences in risk factors of adverse pregnancy outcomes between White and Black pregnant women based on measures of individual level/social stressors, institutionalised racism, health behaviours and access to care.

Integration of eHealth Tools in the Process of Workplace Health Promotion: Proposal for Design and Implementation.

BackgroundElectronic health (eHealth) and mobile health (mHealth) tools can support and improve the whole process of workplace health promotion (WHP) projects. However, several challenges and opportunities have to be considered while integrating these tools in WHP projects. Currently, a large number of eHealth tools are developed for changing health behavior, but these tools can support the whole WHP process, including group administration, information flow, assessment, intervention development process, or evaluation.ObjectiveTo support a successful implementation of eHealth tools in the whole WHP processes, we introduce a concept of WHP (life cycle model of WHP) with 7 steps and present critical and success factors for the implementation of eHealth tools in each step.MethodsWe developed a life cycle model of WHP based on the World Health Organization (WHO) model of healthy workplace continual improvement process. We suggest adaptations to the WHO model to demonstrate the large number of possibilities to implement eHealth tools in WHP as well as possible critical points in the implementation process.ResultseHealth tools can enhance the efficiency of WHP in each of the 7 steps of the presented life cycle model of WHP. Specifically, eHealth tools can support by offering easier administration, providing an information and communication platform, supporting assessments, presenting and discussing assessment results in a dashboard, and offering interventions to change individual health behavior. Important success factors include the possibility to give automatic feedback about health parameters, create incentive systems, or bring together a large number of health experts in one place. Critical factors such as data security, anonymity, or lack of management involvement have to be addressed carefully to prevent nonparticipation and dropouts.ConclusionsUsing eHealth tools can support WHP, but clear regulations for the usage and implementation of these tools at the workplace are needed to secure quality and reach sustainable results.

Active design in affordable housing: A public health nudge.

This pilot study investigates the impact of active design (AD) strategies on physical activity (PA) among adults living in two Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified affordable housing developments in the South Bronx, New York. One building incorporates LEED Innovation in Design (ID) Credit: Design for Health through Increased Physical Activity. Tenants in an affordable housing building (AH) incorporating active design strategies completed PA self-assessments at their lease signing and one year later in 2015. Trained research assistants obtained body measurements. Residents of neighboring non-AD affordable housing (MCV) served as a comparison. Thirty four adults were recruited from AH and 29 from MCV, retention was 56% (n = 19) and 52% (n = 15) respectively at one year. The two groups' body mass index (BMI) and high-risk waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were not statistically significantly different when analyzed as continuous variables, although BMI category had a greater decline at AH than at MCV (p = 0.054). There was a 31.5% increase in AH participants meeting MPA requirements and a statistically significant improvement in females (p = 0.031); while there was no change in the MCV participants overall or when stratified by gender. AH participants were significantly more likely to have reported increased stair use and less likely to have reported no change or decreased stair use than participants from MCV participants (p = 0.033). Housing has a role in individual health outcomes and behavior change, broad adoption of active design strategies in affordable housing is warranted to improve physical activity measures.

Mindfully Green and Healthy: An Indirect Path from Mindfulness to Ecological Behavior.

This paper examines the nature of the link between mindfulness and ecological behavior. Based on the notion that mindfulness incorporates heightened awareness of bodily sensations, we suggest an indirect path from mindfulness to ecological behavior that is mediated through individual health behavior, such as improved nutrition and increased exercise. This indirect path is corroborated with two online studies (n = 147/n = 239) where mindfulness, personal health behavior and ecological behavior were assessed. We conclude that increased mindful awareness of momentary experience indeed favors more healthy lifestyles, which in turn relate to increased ecological behavior beyond personal health benefits. The findings support an agreeableness of personal and planetary health behavior and open up a path for environmental educational interventions based on mindfulness practices and personal health gains.

Rural Grandparent Headed Households: A Qualitative Description.

To explore, from an emic perspective, the unique socio ecological context in which rural grandparent headed households (GHH) exist, and therefore provide a foundation for the development of culturally-appropriate interventions that might impact their health. This qualitative descriptive study was based on the conduct of in-depth, semi-structured interviews with fifteen grandparents, residing in rural Appalachian Kentucky, who were the primary caretakers for their grandchildren. The interviews were conducted using an interview guide that was based on the premises of the Social Ecological Model (SEM). A basic assumption of this model is that intrapersonal, social-cultural, organizational, and policy factors influence individual health and health behaviors, and that these influences are interrelated and reciprocal. Data was analyzed by the research team using line by line coding of the audio recorded transcriptions of the interviews. GHH experience both barriers and facilitators to maintaining the health of GHH. Many grandparents viewed the experience of belonging to a GHH as a positive one, believing that having their grandchildren in their home improved their health. They relied on formal and informal networks such as extended family and churches to help with caretaking responsibilities. Grandparents experienced notable barriers to health related to having the primary responsibility of their grandchildren, including lack of resources and family tension related to incarceration and/or opioid drug use by biological parents. GHH, one of the fastest growing family constellations in rural Appalachia and the US, may be particularly vulnerable to health threats elevating their risk for many chronic diseases. Effective health related interventions to address this risk should be based on the socio-ecological context in which these families exist.

Canadian Alliance for Healthy Hearts and Minds: First Nations Cohort Study Rationale and Design.

This is the first national indigenous cohort study in which a common, in-depth protocol with a common set of objectives has been adopted by several indigenous communities across Canada. The overarching objective of the Canadian Alliance for Healthy Hearts and Minds (CAHHM) cohort is to investigate how the community-level environment is associated with individual health behaviors and the presence and progression of chronic disease risk factors and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. CAHHM aims to recruit approximately 2,000 First Nations indigenous individuals from up to nine communities across Canada and have participants complete questionnaires, blood collection, physical measurements, cognitive assessments, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Through individual- and community-level data collection, we will develop an understanding of the specific role of the socioenvironmental, biological, and contextual factors have on the development of chronic disease risk factors and chronic diseases. Information collected in the indigenous cohort will be used to assist communities to develop local management strategies for chronic disease, and can be used collectively to understand the contextual, environmental, socioeconomic, and biological determinants of differences in health status in harmony with First Nations beliefs and reality.

Short-Run Health Consequences of Retirement and Pension Benefits: Evidence from China

This paper examines the impact of the New Rural Pension Scheme (NRPS) in China. Exploiting the staggered implementation of an NRPS policy expansion that began in 2009, we use a difference-in-difference approach to study the effects of the introduction of pension benefits on the health status, health behaviors, and healthcare utilization of rural Chinese adults age 60 and above. The results point to three main conclusions. First, in addition to improvements in self-reported health, older adults with access to the pension program experienced significant improvements in several important measures of health, including mobility, self-care, usual activities, and vision. Second, regarding the functional domains of mobility and self-care, we found that the females in the study group led in improvements over their male counterparts. Third, in our search for the mechanisms that drive positive retirement program results, we find evidence that changes in individual health behaviors, such as a reduction in drinking and smoking, and improved sleep habits, play an important role. Our findings point to the potential benefits of retirement programs resulting from social spillover effects. In addition, these programs may lessen the morbidity burden among the retired population.

Does the DOSPERT scale predict risk-taking behaviour during travel? A study using smartphones

Despite the continuing growth of international tourism, very little research has been done on the link between individual risk attitudes and health behaviours during travel. Our study uses a validated risk-taking questionnaire Domain-Specific Risk-Taking Scale (DOSPERT) and data from a smartphone application to study the association between pre-travel risk attitudes and the occurrence of behaviours during travel. A prospective cohort of travellers to Thailand used a smartphone application to answer a daily questionnaire about health behaviours and events. Prior to travel, participants completed the DOSPERT, a validated 30-item scale that assesses risk-taking and perception in five content domains: financial decisions, health/safety, recreational, ethical and social decisions. Multiple linear regression models were used to model the relationship between DOSPERT risk-taking subdomain score and health behaviour. Of the 75 travellers that completed the study, 70 (93.3%) completed the DOSPERT pre-travel. Men, backpackers and young travellers reported a higher willingness to take recreational risks than women, luxury travellers and older travellers. Incidence of drug and alcohol risk behaviours during travel, itching from mosquitoes, smoking and failing to use a seatbelt in automobiles while at home were all significantly associated with an individual's score on the health and safety DOSPERT subdomain. In our study, individual scores on risk-taking in the health and safety subdomain of the DOSPERT questionnaire seem to be predictive of health behaviours both during travel and at home. By pairing new methods of data collection with questionnaires such as DOSPERT that identify key traveller characteristics to intervene on, travel medicine doctors will be able to provide more specialised health advice, ensuring that all travellers receive well-rounded advice about the full range of health challenges they will face during travel.

Effects of a National Health Promotion Program for Improving Health Behaviors of Individuals with Disabilities

The aim of this study was to determine if the I Can Do It, You Can Do It! program improved health of individuals with disabilities. Forty-seven individuals with disabilities aged 4-23 participated in the program and 31 completed pre and post-test health outcome measures. The majority of participants met their goals related to average number daily physically active minutes (79%), and physically active days per week (94%). 82% of participants met or made progress toward eating goals and 92% met or made progress toward beverage goals. Participants were categorized as overweight/obese, or under/normal weight and both groups experienced significant growth in height over eight weeks, but only the overweight/obese group also showed significant weight gain, indicating need to slow weight gain of overweight individuals with disabilities. Some possible contributors to the positive health behavior outcomes of this study included goal attainment measures, mentorship, and caregiver support. Subscribe to TRJ