A Survey of Texas Health Educators' Family Health History-based Practice

Am J Health Behav. 2015 Sep;39(5):632-9. doi: 10.5993/AJHB.39.5.5.

Abstract

Objectives: To examine Texas health educators' practice of providing family health history (FHH)-based services, alongside factors shaping their practice.

Methods: A theoretical model of factors influencing health educators' FHH-based practice was developed and tested through structural equation modeling. (Master) Certified Health Education Specialists (N = 228; 40.93%) in Texas completed a baseline survey immediately before online or workshop FHH training.

Results: Participants incorporated FHH into their practice at low rates (on average=37.10%). Our model fit the data adequately based on the overall model chi-square test and model-fit-indices (ie, χ(2) [df = 21]=27.20; p = .16; RMSEA=0.04; SRMR=0.05; CFI=0.97). Intention, self-efficacy, attitudes, and knowledge were associated with practice.

Conclusions: Training health educators to incorporate FHH into their practice is needed. Our theoretical model suggests intervention points for future training.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Family Health* / education
  • Family Health* / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Health Care Surveys*
  • Health Educators / education
  • Health Educators / psychology*
  • Health Educators / statistics & numerical data*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medical History Taking / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Texas
  • Young Adult