Health Promotion Practices Among Deployed Army Reservists
Dr. Shirley Spencer is an Assistant Professor of Nursing in the College of Health and Human Services.
Abstract
Army reservists must maintain their physical fitness and be in optimal health to ensure their readiness state for rapid deployment. The aims of the study were to examine health promotion behaviors among deployed reservists, compare deployed reservists’ physical performance with non-deployed reservists and active duty soldiers, and to identify educational training needs. A 14-month longitudinal design was used to examine the relationship between socio-demographic, physiological, and cognitive perceptual factors and health promotion behavioral factors using a series of descriptive and regression analyses. Findings showed strong associations between age, sex, and education level and physical activity (p < .05); basal metabolic index (BMI) marginally influenced physical activity; and reservists would like comprehensive health and mandatory physical fitness programs. These findings highlight the need for development and adoption of health promotion programs and policies focused on improving Army reservists’ health and physical fitness levels.
Health Promotion Practices Among Deployed Army Reservists
Hall of Governors
Army reservists must maintain their physical fitness and be in optimal health to ensure their readiness state for rapid deployment. The aims of the study were to examine health promotion behaviors among deployed reservists, compare deployed reservists’ physical performance with non-deployed reservists and active duty soldiers, and to identify educational training needs. A 14-month longitudinal design was used to examine the relationship between socio-demographic, physiological, and cognitive perceptual factors and health promotion behavioral factors using a series of descriptive and regression analyses. Findings showed strong associations between age, sex, and education level and physical activity (p < .05); basal metabolic index (BMI) marginally influenced physical activity; and reservists would like comprehensive health and mandatory physical fitness programs. These findings highlight the need for development and adoption of health promotion programs and policies focused on improving Army reservists’ health and physical fitness levels.