Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention: Personal and Professional Care

Mentor 1

Dr. Sandra Millon Underwood

Location

Union Wisconsin Room

Start Date

29-4-2016 1:30 PM

End Date

29-4-2016 3:30 PM

Description

Chronic diseases are among the most common causes of disability and death in the United States. The feet have been described as the “mirror” of a person’s general health given that signs and symptoms of chronic disease are often reflected in the feet. Why then, one might ask, are the feet so often ignored, overlooked, neglected and taken for granted? In an effort to better understand these issues a cross-sectional exploratory study of the perceptions and primary care experiences of a targeted group of men and women was undertaken. The study aimed to explore perceptions of the importance of foot health and to identify needs relative to foot health and foot care. Data was collected from 1617 men and women engaged in social service and community empowerment programs within S.E. Wisconsin using an investigator designed survey. The survey measures were based on the principles of foot care endorsed by the American Medical Association. Data collected were reviewed, tabulated, scanned and entered into a computerized database. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Data revealed that the greater majority of the study participants felt that foot care was important to their overall health, however there were significant variations were noted based on the participants age, race, education, and history of foot problems. Findings also suggested that there were deficits in the self-management of foot care among the men and women involved in the study and gaps in the delivery of foot care by doctors and nurses. This presentation will provide an overview of the study findings and efforts subsequently undertaken by the team to better address the health promotion and health care needs of the community.

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Apr 29th, 1:30 PM Apr 29th, 3:30 PM

Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention: Personal and Professional Care

Union Wisconsin Room

Chronic diseases are among the most common causes of disability and death in the United States. The feet have been described as the “mirror” of a person’s general health given that signs and symptoms of chronic disease are often reflected in the feet. Why then, one might ask, are the feet so often ignored, overlooked, neglected and taken for granted? In an effort to better understand these issues a cross-sectional exploratory study of the perceptions and primary care experiences of a targeted group of men and women was undertaken. The study aimed to explore perceptions of the importance of foot health and to identify needs relative to foot health and foot care. Data was collected from 1617 men and women engaged in social service and community empowerment programs within S.E. Wisconsin using an investigator designed survey. The survey measures were based on the principles of foot care endorsed by the American Medical Association. Data collected were reviewed, tabulated, scanned and entered into a computerized database. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Data revealed that the greater majority of the study participants felt that foot care was important to their overall health, however there were significant variations were noted based on the participants age, race, education, and history of foot problems. Findings also suggested that there were deficits in the self-management of foot care among the men and women involved in the study and gaps in the delivery of foot care by doctors and nurses. This presentation will provide an overview of the study findings and efforts subsequently undertaken by the team to better address the health promotion and health care needs of the community.