Evaluation of Selected Health Promotion Programs

In 1990 the Department of Defense paid over 14 billion dollars for health care services. These costs will continue to rise unless there is a change in the lifestyle habits of the population. Each year unhealthy lifestyles are responsible for at least 50% of the deaths in the United States. Spiraling health care costs have placed an increased emphasis on health promotion to improve health habits and lower risk of disease. Little research has been done to date on the effectiveness of health promotion programs either in the military or civilian sectors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of three select health promotion programs at the Nurses' Wellness Center, Quantico, Virginia. This project will determine if the Tobacco Cessation, Weight Reduction, or Cholesterol Education Programs result in significant changes in the lifestyle of the participants. Through pre and six month post-intervention evaluations, the study will measure changes in health related lifestyle practices of an experimental and control group. The Army "Fit to Win" Health Risk Appraisal and the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile developed by Nola Pender, RN, Ph.D. will be used to assess the lifestyle practices of participants in the program and control group. Measurements of cholesterol levels, weight, blood pressure, and body fat will be analyzed on both groups. A series of paired t-tests will be performed to test for significant differences between pre and post-test values in both groups and a regression analysis will be utilized to determine the relationships between changes in variables. This pilot study will provide scientific analysis to measure the effectiveness and benefits of the Quantico Health Promotion Programs. Firm data about health promotion programs is essential to validate their quality and effectiveness. If these finding are significant, replication of this study at other Military Treatment Facilities will demonstrate the adaptability of the programs to all the branches of the military.