Project Description:
We are conducting a program evaluation of the Special Olympics (SO) Health Athletes Pilot Projects at six pilot sites (South Carolina, Massachusetts, Denver, Illinois, Texas, and Montana) across the United States. This evaluation will do the following the 1) measure health behaviors and health outcomes among SO athletes and their support persons; 2) assess program satisfaction among coaches and SO athletes; 3) assess process and structural variables associated with implementation of health promotion programs within SO.
Background
The prevalence of heart disease, elevated risk factors for heart disease, obesity, and overall mortality in adults with ID is greater than the prevalence in the general population. While the deinstitutionalization of adults with ID has allowed greater freedom of personal choice, evidence suggests they have adopted unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles, which is similar to the general population. Additionally, adults with ID in the community have had less opportunity to access social support systems. Specifically, 93% of adults with ID consume a high fat diet, 63% of adults with ID do not consume enough fruits and vegetables, and 55% of adults with ID do not participate in the recommended levels of physical activity.
Findings from the Special Olympics commissioned "Special Report on the Health Status and Needs of Adults with Mental Retardation" found that individuals diagnosed with mental retardation experience increased rates of chronic diseases, psychiatric conditions, and received inadequate health care. Additionally, people with mental retardation had a lower life expectancy compared to adults without mental retardation. These findings suggested a need to develop and implement systematic, targeted health education for adults with ID. Preliminary results of health education program have demonstrated an increase in life satisfaction and perceived social-environmental support for exercise, along with greater self-confidence in one's ability to perform exercise activities.
Assessments
We will use the following procedures to conduct the national evaluation of the Special Olympics Healthy Athlete Pilot Projects.
• Key representatives from each of the Special Olympic (SO) sites (South Carolina, Massachusetts, Denver, Illinois, Texas, and Montana) will receive training from UIC staff in each of the assessment measures and procedures to insure validity and reliability of the assessments.
• Trained SO staff will conduct the psychosocial and physiological measures before they begin their pilot project and at the end of the pilot project.
• Following each of the assessment periods SO staff will mail the completed assessments to UIC.
