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The Staying Well Project for Disabled People

Year:
2010
Duration:
24 months
Approved budget:
$239,327.00
Researchers:
Dr Kathryn McPherson
Health issue:
Disability
Proposal type:
Joint Research Partnership Project
Lay summary
Despite numerous public health initiatives aimed at preventing obesity and related chronic diseases, many may be inappropriate or inaccessible for disabled people. The proposed research aims to identify, in partnership with disabled people, key strategies for reducing the incidence and risk of obesity and associated chronic diseases for disabled people. Our research places an emphasis on involving disabled people and other key stakeholders throughout the research process. Using focus groups and interviews, key barriers and facilitators to maintenance of a healthy weight, recommended nutritional standards and levels of activity will be identified. Participants will contribute their perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of existing strategies. Finally, modifications to existing strategies will be suggested following input and refinement from participants. The revised approaches should be more relevant, targeted and acceptable to disabled people and thus be more efficacious in the prevention of obesity and other related chronic diseases.