Jengliang Eric Hwang; Development and Validation of a 15-Item Lifestyle Screening for Community-Dwelling Older Adults. Am J Occup Ther 2012;66(6):e98–e106. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2012.005181
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© 2021 American Occupational Therapy Association
The Health Enhancement Lifestyle Profile–Screener (HELP–Screener) is a 15-item self-report questionnaire conceptually excerpted from the original 56-item HELP. This article describes the development and validation of the HELP–Screener with a sample of 483 community-dwelling older adults. Data derived from the sample were first analyzed using the Rasch dichotomous model. Unidimensionality and data–model fit of the HELP–Screener were largely supported by the analyses of principal components of residuals, fit statistics, local dependency, differential item functioning, and item hierarchy. To delineate the clinical significance of the test results, the cutoff score for the HELP–Screener was established through the mean and standard deviation generated from the study sample. The HELP–Screener can serve as a time-efficient screening for identifying older adults who may require a comprehensive evaluation through HELP and, as a result, who may benefit from a lifestyle intervention. Of note, more studies are planned to further corroborate psychometric properties of this new instrument.
How often during a week do you walk outside or on a treadmill for at least 20 min as a form of exercise?
How often during a week do you work out at the gym or at home (such as aerobic exercise or dance) for at least 20 min?
How often during a week do you go bicycling, jogging, or hiking?
I exercise more than twice a week.
I consume a variety of healthy foods rich in protein, fiber, or calcium every day (e.g., white meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, milk, soy products).
I engage in activities in my community (e.g., attending senior center, volunteering) at least once a week.
I frequently monitor my health (e.g., blood pressure, blood sugar, body weight).
The HELP–Screener is a 15-item screening tool derived from the original 56-item HELP. Occupational therapy practitioners working with older adults in community settings can use such a time-efficient lifestyle screening as part of their routine evaluation.
The established cutoff score of the HELP–Screener can be used by practitioners to determine the need for administering the HELP, which yields a more in-depth understanding of particular areas requiring lifestyle interventions.
When engaging a client in collaborative treatment planning based on the results of the HELP–Screener and the HELP, the practitioner should take into account the client’s interests, routines, health and functional status, history, and personal and environmental resources so as to yield a client-centered lifestyle intervention.
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