Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title

International Journal of Social Health Information Management

Publication Date

2013

Publisher

Intellectbase International Consortium

Volume

6

Issue

14

First Page

65

Last Page

76

Abstract

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Almost two-thirds of

our adult population is overweight, and more than one-third are obese. The

obesity rate is twice what it was in 1970. Most local health departments try to

address this problem with nutrition and weight control clinics, but these clinics are often

underutilized. This study examined the effects of nine independent variables on a person's

inclination to use a nutrition/weight control clinic at ·a local health department in one of Utah's

twelve health districts. It was undertaken to identify the types of individuals who were most

likely to use a public clinic for this type of service. Worry about heart disease and the existence

of heart problems were found to be significant predictors, but their effects were found to be

captured by three other easily identified variables; namely, acceptance of heart screens, being

overweight, and being female. These three variables were found to have the most significant

effects on potential use of this type of service. Income and education failed to show the general

effects reported in the research literature. This underscores the need for locally relevant data

for assessing the potential use of a service offered by a particular health department in a

specific service area. The implications for targeting individuals with tailored messages are

discussed.

Comments

©2013 Published by lntellectbase International Consortium

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