Abstract
The Health Enhancement Lifestyle Profile (HELP) is a self-report measure for examining various aspects of health-related lifestyle in older adults through seven scales (Exercise; Diet; Work, Education, and Social Participation; Leisure; Activities of Daily Living; Psychological Wellness and Spiritual Participation; and Other Health Promotion and Risk Behaviors). The current study examined the reliability and validity of the HELP scales through classic test theory. The resultant alpha coefficients ranged from .75 to .92 among the scales, indicating acceptable to good internal consistency reliability. Construct validity was also supported by the interrelationships found among the HELP scales and the statistically significant correlations shown between HELP results and global health status (i.e., number of chronic conditions, self-related health). HELP scales can help occupational therapists identify and monitor health promotion occupations and risk behaviors and measure the outcome of services aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles in older adults.
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