Faculty Collaboration Database

Veterans service organization engagement in 'POWER,' a peer-led hypertension intervention. Chronic Illn 2012 Dec;8(4):252-64

Date

02/10/2012

Pubmed ID

22318208

DOI

10.1177/1742395312437978

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84869026621 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   17 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of program factors on participant engagement in POWER, a peer-led intervention designed to reduce hypertension, increase hypertension knowledge, and improve other relevant health behaviors, such as diet and exercise, among US veterans involved in veterans service organizations throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.

METHODS: Two hundred and nineteen hypertensive members from 58 VSOs participated in a year-long peer-led intervention designed to improve hypertension knowledge, disease self-management behaviors, and health outcomes. This study represents a qualitative evaluation of post and participant engagement in this intervention. We triangulated data collected via three qualitative approaches (observations, focus groups, and in-depth interviews) from intervention posts to derive a model of engagement.

RESULTS: Our findings indicate that discrete characteristics of the peer leaders, post members, posts, and the intervention itself contributed to intervention engagement.

DISCUSSION: We make suggestions for future research studies, particularly as related to understanding how peer leader identities and cultural norms within VSOs might contribute to peer-led health intervention success.

Author List

Mosack KE, Wendorf AR, Brouwer AM, Patterson L, Ertl K, Whittle J, Morzinski J, Fletcher K

Authors

Kathlyn E. Fletcher MD Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Katie Mosack PhD Associate Professor in the Psychology department at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Jeffrey Whittle MD Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Feasibility Studies
Female
Focus Groups
Health Behavior
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Health Promotion
Humans
Hypertension
Male
Models, Psychological
Peer Group
Self Care
Veterans
Wisconsin