Evidence-Based Plan for Promoting Physical Activity Among Deaf Adults in Primary Care

Abstract

Objectives. The purpose of this practice inquiry (PI) was to develop an evidence based plan for promoting physical activity among Deaf adults in a primary care setting. The aims of this PI were to 1) review research about the relationship between physical activity and health 2) review research about use of pedometers to motivate increased walking and 3) describe baseline physical activity among Deaf adults using pedometer step counts based on a secondary analysis of an existing data set. Design. The secondary analysis of an existing data set analyzed demographic data and pedometer data (steps/day). Participants received standardized instructions about using the pedometer in-person, in American Sign Language (ASL) and also received a DVD with the instructions in ASL for review at home. The review of literature and secondary analysis were used to propose an evidenced-based plan to increase physical activity in Deaf adults in the primary care setting. Sample: Eighty-seven participants met inclusion criteria for this secondary analysis: 1) at least 45 years of age, 2) self-identified as a member of the Deaf community, 3) fluent in ASL, 4) no existing diagnosis of coronary artery disease, and 5) at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease: overweight/obese, sedentary, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia. Results: Results support the value of physical activity for health promotion and risk reduction, and supported use of pedometers to encourage increased walking. The secondary analysis of data from 87 Deaf adults showed that their average steps/day were 5,667, which fall short of the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Men tended to walk more than women, though the difference did not reach statistical significance. There was an inverse correlation between age and steps/day (r=.280, p=.007) consistent with a low active lifestyle. Conclusion. There is considerable support for providing pedometers to at-risk Deaf adults in primary care, with both group and individual instructions in ASL and follow-up to monitor increases in average steps/day as an effective strategy for increasing physical activity. This would not be a stand-alone intervention, but part of an overall risk assessment and evidenced based plan to increase physical activity in Deaf adults.