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Efficacy of the HealthMatters Program Train‐the‐Trainer Model
Author(s) -
Marks Beth,
Sisirak Jasmina,
Chang YenChing
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1468-3148
pISSN - 1360-2322
DOI - 10.1111/jar.12045
Subject(s) - trainer , health promotion , intellectual disability , intervention (counseling) , promotion (chess) , psychology , health education , medical education , gerontology , nursing , medicine , public health , psychiatry , political science , politics , computer science , law , programming language
Background This study examines the efficacy of a staff‐led, health promotion intervention entitled HealthMatters Program: Train‐the‐Trainer Model to improve health among adults with intellectual disabilities. While data support the benefits of health promotion for adults with intellectual disabilities in controlled settings, little research documents strategies to improve health and health behaviours in settings in which people work and live. Methods Thirty‐four staff in community‐based organizations ( CBO s) participated in an 8‐h training to start a 12‐week health promotion programme for clients with intellectual disabilities. Participants with intellectual disabilities ( n = 67; aged 30 and older) were randomized into an intervention (12‐week exercise and health education programme) or control group. Results Intervention group showed significant improvements in health status, knowledge, self‐efficacy, and fitness. Conclusion Results support the efficacy of a HealthMatters Program in CBO s to improve health among adults with intellectual disabilities. A need exists for CBO s to include health promotion in their mission and vision statement and job descriptions.