Keywords
Nutrition education; Rural; African-American; Chronic diseases; Community programs
Abstract
Objective: Health disparities for African-Americans are complex and often interrelated with low socioeconomic status, inequalities in income, education, and overall standard of living. The objective of this study was to assess health knowledge and health behaviors among rural residents at risk for chronic diseases and to provide information that may be used in planning community-based nutrition education intervention.
Methods: Two survey instruments (Fact finding and Health knowledge and behavior) were developed to elicit from rural residents their knowledge, and behavior regarding the prevalence of chronic diseases (cancer, diabetes, obesity)1) The fact finding survey was designed to ascertain information about chronic disease awareness and prevention; willingness to participate and level of commitment; and 2) The health knowledge survey assessed participants’ knowledge, health behavior, and information about their health and demographic information. The completed instruments were coded and entered into SPSS 17.0 Windows version. Descriptive frequencies, t-Test, and correlations were used to analyze the data.
Results: Approximately 95% of respondents agree that community programs can provide answers to nutrition-related chronic diseases prevention. Of those surveyed 87% expressed willingness to participate in nutrition and health education intervention and only 71% expressed willingness to commit for a year-long program, while 69% are desirous of making healthy lifestyle changes. Respondents felt that annual health examination was important (100%) and 75% had scheduled appointments; 24% of respondents had no form of health insurance. In general 77% and 76% agreed that physical inactivity and high salt intake lead to obesity and hypertension, respectively.
Conclusion: Prevention and awareness nutrition education community-based programs are necessary in rural areas for the reduction of risk factors associated with cancer and other chronic diseases. The results provided information that can be used to influence the planning, development and implementation of nutrition based community programs for prevention of obesity, cancer and cardiovascular diseases prevention.
Citation
Dawkins NL, Carter VL, Findlay HJ and Howard B. Responses to Health Knowledge and Behavior Questionnaire: Implications for Nutrition Intervention. SM J Food Nutri Disord. 2016; 2(1): 1012.