Advisor(s)

Emily Eddy, PharmD
Ohio Northern University
Pharmacy Practice
e-eddy.1@onu.edu

Michelle Musser, PharmD
Ohio Northern University
Pharmacy Practice
m-musser@onu.edu

Document Type

Poster

Location

ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room

Start Date

22-4-2022 12:00 PM

End Date

April 2022

Abstract

Background/Rationale/Statement of Problem:

The Hardin County Community Health Improvement Plan 2020-20221 examined health trends in Hardin County, Ohio that contributed to the health and wellbeing of county residents. Prevention of chronic diseases including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and obesity were identified as one of the principal focuses for health improvement in the county. Statistics depicting the rise of chronic disease in Kenton, OH illuminated the need to intervene and mitigate barriers contributing to poor health outcomes. An incentivized, family-friendly walking program was developed to encourage physical activity across all ages and improve health outcomes and perceptions in Kenton, Ohio residents. The purpose of this program is to 1) increase family participation in exercise, 2) improve family perceptions of health, and 3) understand barriers that impact the health of rural families.

Description of Research Methodology:

The target population for this program was third through fifth grade students attending Kenton Elementary School and their families. Prior to participating, all parents were emailed a pre-survey with embedded consent. Hard copy brochures containing information regarding chronic disease and exercise were distributed. Each family created a team name and a step goal to use throughout the program. Upon program initiation, pedometers and a paper monthly activity tracking calendar were distributed. Weekly step tracking forms were emailed to participants to log steps. At the end of each month, steps were totaled and prizes were distributed to students and teams who had improved and who walked the most steps. At completion of the program, participants were emailed a post-survey to solicit feedback and compare their health perceptions after the program to the beginning of the program. This program was approved by the ONU IRB. Data was aggregated via Google Forms and stored via Google Sheets only accessible to the principal investigators, their advisors, and their community partner.

Results:

Research in progress.

Conclusion/Future Directions:

Research in progress.

Keywords: rural, underserved, exercise, walking, walking program, health perceptions, chronic disease, Kenton, Hardin County

Reference:

https://www.hcno.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/FINAL-Hardin-County-2020-2022-CHIP.pdf

Notes

Keywords: rural, underserved, exercise, walking, walking program, health perceptions, chronic disease, Kenton, Hardin County

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Apr 22nd, 12:00 PM Apr 22nd, 1:00 PM

One Step at a Time: a rural health initiative to increase participation in exercise and improve health perceptions of families in Kenton, Ohio

ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room

Background/Rationale/Statement of Problem:

The Hardin County Community Health Improvement Plan 2020-20221 examined health trends in Hardin County, Ohio that contributed to the health and wellbeing of county residents. Prevention of chronic diseases including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and obesity were identified as one of the principal focuses for health improvement in the county. Statistics depicting the rise of chronic disease in Kenton, OH illuminated the need to intervene and mitigate barriers contributing to poor health outcomes. An incentivized, family-friendly walking program was developed to encourage physical activity across all ages and improve health outcomes and perceptions in Kenton, Ohio residents. The purpose of this program is to 1) increase family participation in exercise, 2) improve family perceptions of health, and 3) understand barriers that impact the health of rural families.

Description of Research Methodology:

The target population for this program was third through fifth grade students attending Kenton Elementary School and their families. Prior to participating, all parents were emailed a pre-survey with embedded consent. Hard copy brochures containing information regarding chronic disease and exercise were distributed. Each family created a team name and a step goal to use throughout the program. Upon program initiation, pedometers and a paper monthly activity tracking calendar were distributed. Weekly step tracking forms were emailed to participants to log steps. At the end of each month, steps were totaled and prizes were distributed to students and teams who had improved and who walked the most steps. At completion of the program, participants were emailed a post-survey to solicit feedback and compare their health perceptions after the program to the beginning of the program. This program was approved by the ONU IRB. Data was aggregated via Google Forms and stored via Google Sheets only accessible to the principal investigators, their advisors, and their community partner.

Results:

Research in progress.

Conclusion/Future Directions:

Research in progress.

Keywords: rural, underserved, exercise, walking, walking program, health perceptions, chronic disease, Kenton, Hardin County

Reference:

https://www.hcno.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/FINAL-Hardin-County-2020-2022-CHIP.pdf